ANNISTON — The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed Deputy Kelly Stephens Souder back to the agency in a new assignment focused on animal-related calls and investigations.

Sheriff Hurst designated Stephens Souder for the role. Her primary duties will involve responding to animal-related complaints and investigating crimes involving animals across Calhoun County.

The Sheriff’s Office has always handled those responsibilities as part of its regular law enforcement duties. However, the new assignment gives the agency a deputy whose main focus will be animal-related cases.

A Dedicated Role for Animal-Related Cases

Under the new assignment, Stephens Souder will respond to reports involving animals and investigate possible criminal violations connected to those cases.

As a result, the Sheriff’s Office will have a dedicated point of contact for many animal-related law enforcement matters. The agency said the position will help protect animals while also holding offenders accountable when criminal activity is involved.

At the same time, officials stressed an important distinction for the public. The Sheriff’s Office and Calhoun County Animal Control are separate agencies with different responsibilities.

The Sheriff’s Office is a law enforcement agency. Therefore, it investigates crimes and responds when an animal-related situation may involve a violation of law.

Animal Control, however, handles other animal-related services. The Sheriff’s Office said it is not equipped to pick up or house animals.

Sheriff’s Office to Work Closely With Animal Control

Although the agencies have different roles, they will continue working together. Stephens Souder will work closely with Calhoun County Animal Control as part of her new assignment.

That cooperation will include assistance with investigations when law enforcement involvement is needed. In addition, the partnership is intended to improve coordination between the two agencies.

The Sheriff’s Office said the dedicated assignment will strengthen its response to animal-related crimes throughout Calhoun County. It will also give deputies and Animal Control personnel a direct law enforcement resource for these cases.

Meanwhile, Stephens Souder’s return brings her back to an agency where she previously served. The Sheriff’s Office welcomed her back and encouraged the community to do the same.

Officials said the goal is to better serve both Calhoun County residents and animals through closer cooperation, focused enforcement, and investigation.

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