Marshall County Sheriff’s Office to Assume Animal Control Duties Beginning March 2

MARSHALL COUNTY-Effective March 2, 2026, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office will assume primary responsibility for animal control operations in Marshall County, marking a significant shift in how animal-related complaints are handled across the county.

Under the new structure, a deputy has been appointed as the county’s Animal Control Investigator and has hired an assistant to support the role. The investigator will be responsible for responding to most animal-related complaints, including dogs at large, livestock at large, animal cruelty, neglected or abandoned animals, stolen animals, and animal attacks when necessary.

While the Sheriff’s Office will oversee investigations and enforcement, the Marshall County Commission will continue to operate the county’s animal shelter. Sheriff’s Office personnel will work closely with shelter employees to ensure coordinated service to residents.

Due to limited space at the shelter, officials noted there may be occasional delays in picking up stray animals. Shelter employees will continue assisting with the removal of stray animals that are causing a nuisance. However, all criminal matters involving animals will now be handled directly by the Sheriff’s Office.

In the past, deputies responded to some animal-related calls, but the majority were handled through the county’s animal shelter. Because the shelter is not staffed 24 hours a day, residents sometimes encountered difficulty reaching someone to report concerns. Sheriff Phil Sims said the transition addresses longstanding concerns raised by both the County Commission and the Sheriff’s Office.

By routing animal control calls through the Sheriff’s Office, officials say there will always be personnel available to answer the phone and respond when needed.

The animal shelter will continue normal operations. Residents who believe their pet has been picked up, or those interested in adopting a dog or cat, should continue contacting the shelter directly.

Officials acknowledged there will be a learning curve as the new system is implemented but expressed confidence that having a dedicated investigator assigned to animal complaints — with the authority to pursue criminal charges when warranted — will improve service and reduce public frustration.

For animal control-related issues, residents should contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 256-582-2034.

For adoption inquiries or animal pickup requests, residents should contact the Marshall County Animal Shelter at 256-582-4744.