Animal cruelty cases in Alabama’s Calhoun County will now receive focused attention from Deputy Kelly Stephens, whom the sheriff’s office hired to investigate animal-related complaints and crimes exclusively, WBRC reports.
Sheriff Falon Hurst said the department has always investigated animal cruelty, but wanted a dedicated person focused exclusively on those cases rather than asking deputies to juggle them alongside other duties.
Stephens previously served as a county deputy and helped with a major animal cruelty case, working closely with animal control officers.
Cases reported in the county — including dogs tied to trees without food or water and dead dogs found in yards — underscore the urgent need for more targeted enforcement.
Hurst said Alabama’s new Beau’s Law also influenced the decision to create the role. The measure, which took effect October 1, requires dogs tethered or confined outdoors to have access to adequate food, water, and shelter that protects them from the weather, with some exceptions.
It further authorizes certified law enforcement officers with probable cause of a violation to remove a dog if they believe the animal’s life is in danger or to order the guardian to provide care at their own expense.
Lady Freethinker applauds Calhoun County’s commitment to investigating animal cruelty and hopes the move inspires other communities to establish similar positions.
