ASHEBORO — Randolph County Sheriff Greg Seabolt recognized eight Randolph County Animal Control Officers with a Sheriff’s Commendation last week for their recent efforts in the seizure of 55 animals, one of the largest cases in Randolph County history.
The following Randolph County ACOs were recognized for their work on the case; Randolph County Animal Services Director Jonathan Moody (ACO Field Operations Manager), ACO Jonathan Galtney, ACO Robert Godfrey, ACO Donna Zogopolous, ACO Matthew Auman, ACO Yessenia Reyes, ACO McKenzie Beeson, and ACO Sarah Brower.
On June 17, Randolph County Animal Control responded to 5669 Sandalwood Dr. in Denton referencing a possible animal neglect case. Animal Control Officers assisted deputies in the execution of a search warrant, which led to the immediate seizure of 55 animals due to poor living conditions or health and well-being, according to information from the sheriff’s department.
The majority of animals seized suffered severe medical conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, infestation of fleas and other insects, untreated wounds, and other serious conditions.
“This is what working together and collaborating is all about. We could not have done our job, without Animal Services having done exceptionally well at theirs,” Seabolt said. “These are the positive results that come from what we work daily to accomplish in Randolph County by protecting and serving our citizens and those most vulnerable.”
In July 2019, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted to establish the Animal Services department as an independent county department reporting directly to the county manager. Prior to this date, and at various times, animal services and animal control had been provided by the sheriff’s office and public health department. Also in 2019, the county commissioners established Randolph County’s first Animal Services Advisory Board. The purpose of this board is to serve as an advisory board to the county commissioners and assist in the planning and long-range goals and objectives for the Animal Services Department.
“We couldn’t have accomplished this without the incredible efforts of our staff and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department,” Moody said. “This was a joint team effort that resulted in being able to save the lives of 55 animals in Randolph County. I’m extremely grateful to my staff for their tremendous help, as well as the Sheriff’s office, and the Animal Services advisory board for their continued guidance and support.”
Major facility improvements at the County Animal Shelter were made possible through a $750,000 grant provided by Waste Management.
“This recognition and spirit of cooperation exhibited between the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Services is the example-in-action we hoped for when restructuring the Animal Services Department three years ago,” said Darrell Frye, chairman of the county commissioners “It’s proof of how far we’ve come in three years, in the midst of a pandemic. A great deal of credit goes to Sheriff Seabolt, Jonathan Moody, our Animal Control Advisory Board, and all the employees who put in service 24/7 on behalf of abused and abandoned animals in our county.”
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