Community

Animal Shelter Volunteer Program To Return, Two Volunteers Banned

ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- The Belmont County commissioners decided to reinstate the volunteer program at the animal shelter after it was suspended for about five weeks, but elements of the decision do not sit well with some volunteers.

Commissioner J.P. Dutton made the announcement during Wednesday's meeting. This came after volunteers and former staff visited the commission meetings for several weeks, questioning why the program had been suspended. Among them were Aaron and Jodi Apitzsch, volunteers for 15 years, who said they were also banned from the shelter's social media without explanation. During prior meetings, they said they have helped market animals for adoption on social media using photographs and by sharing their experiences with them.

On Tuesday, Aaron Apitzsch made a social media post stating that he and his wife had learned they were indefinitely banned from the shelter. The post garnered numerous shares and comments.

Later, they shared a letter from the commissioners, which states, "We have come to the conclusion that at this time it is in the county's best interest to not have you as volunteers at our shelter."

The letter also references an incident in 2018 when it had been alleged they had taken animals off of private property. Their volunteer status at that time was temporarily suspended and later reinstated.

"Recently, we have been made aware of situations where the information you have shared with potential adopters has not always been a true representation of the animal being adopted," the letter went on, adding that the commissioners made their decision in the interest of the safety of animals and adopters and wished the pair well in continuing to advocate for animals.

During the meeting and in private messages, Aaron and Jodi Apitzsch said they provided straw and fresh water for dogs left outside in cold weather, and they had been advised the law permitted this.

"There is not one thing we haven't done without the dogs as our first priority," he wrote in his public post.

"He also criticized the commissioners for apparently relying on word from Dog Warden Lisa Duvall while gathering information about the situation and said there was "more to the story."

"We were greeted with apathy and lately with disdain by the commissioners. I feel bad for anyone who tries to get a point across to these three," the post continued.

His post went on to allege there have been complaints against Duvall for bullying and intimidation that are not found in the county records.

He also said his pictures and marketing posts described his personal experiences with the dogs and were not misrepresentations.

"These animals took a huge hit today because you won't see many of their faces anymore. Know that there is a bigger reason for all this. We have never felt welcome there despite all our efforts," the post continued.

He concluded by encouraging more people to apply to volunteer.

Afterward, Dutton said no other volunteers have been barred from the shelter. He said he expects new policies to be finalized and the volunteer program to be reinstated shortly.

"Even prior to this, we had volunteer policies for when someone showed an interest in volunteering at the animal shelter," he said. "They'd typically contact the animal shelter. The animal shelter refers them to Belmont County Human Resources. Belmont County Human Resources gives them a packet to complete in order to show their interest in being a volunteer. Policies did exist. We're just making some changes to those policies."

Commissioner Josh Meyer said the new policies would "clarify" such matters as the roles of volunteers and staff.

"Just reiterating again that they are volunteers and there are rules to be followed. Just generally clarifying so they have a general list to know what to do. They'll be directed to their role within the shelter," Meyer said.

Dutton added that the social media policy is still being discussed and finalized.

"There's been times in the past where social media presence for the animal shelter was handled almost exclusively by volunteers. That's changed over time, and now that's handled exclusively by staff at the animal shelter, and that's how it's going to be going forward in terms of the operating of social media," Dutton said.

"One thing that's important to the animal shelter now and moving forward and always is just making sure we're getting accurate information about these animals. Each of these animals have different histories, which means the animals have different needs, so when you're trying to place animals with prospective families, you just need to make sure all this information is accurate."

Meyer said the commissioners are confident in the dog warden.

"The dog warden operates the animal shelter and all the employees. Volunteers assist in things the staff cannot get to, and that's what their role is," he said.

"Our staff works around the clock. Our dog warden is diligent. She does a fantastic job. She's been there 20-plus years and has been doing things for the shelter 24/7."

Dutton agreed.

"They go into very difficult situations frequently, so what they're doing on a daily basis is not an easy job," he said.

Dutton also expressed confidence in the integrity of the HR department. He later consulted with the HR department and added that questions and concerns come in at times about all directors and can be founded or unfounded. He said there have not been many complaints against Duvall and all complaints are addressed professionally on their individual merits.

Duvall could not be reached for comment.