A continuing disagreement involving animal welfare efforts in Chattooga County is drawing renewed attention after Sole County Commissioner Andy Allen released a statement this week calling for clearer communication and a face-to-face meeting with the Animal Advocates of Chattooga County. The commissioner’s statement follows months of tension and includes earlier correspondence from this spring that centered on concerns about the county animal shelter and its leadership.

The timeline of the dispute, as reflected in emails and the commissioner’s more recent written statement, shows the conflict building over time around how animal welfare work is coordinated, who should lead those efforts, and what role community volunteers and rescue partners should play in shelter operations.

The earliest correspondence provided from this year begins with an email dated Thursday, April 10, 2025. In that message, Kathy Stewart—who identified herself as vice president of the Animal Advocates of Chattooga County—wrote to Commissioner Allen outlining the organization’s work over several years with shelter directors and rescue groups. Stewart said Animal Advocates members and volunteers have helped save shelter animals through fostering, transporting animals to rescues, assisting with vaccinations, administering flea and deworming medications, and helping provide heartworm and parvo treatments. She also described the effort as time-consuming and expensive, stating that volunteers often covered costs tied to fostering and transport, and that the organization relied on a small grant and donations.

Stewart’s April 10 email focused much of its concern on interactions with Lindsey Momon, who at the time had applied for the position of shelter director. Stewart said she met Momon on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and believed the Animal Advocates could be a resource to her. Stewart wrote that during their brief meeting, she explained the services the group had provided and its history of collaboration with the shelter. Stewart alleged that Momon seemed to lack knowledge about animal care and believed understanding laws would be sufficient, while learning the remaining parts of the job could be done with help from friends and family.

Stewart’s message also described an incident later that week, writing that on Thursday—after she said Momon had officially been hired and started working at the shelter—a rescue contact visited the shelter to discuss dogs scheduled to go to rescue. Stewart claimed that Momon abruptly dismissed that contact and indicated a lack of interest in the advocates’ assistance. Stewart further alleged that Momon was rude and accusatory toward the county’s remaining animal control officer. Stewart suggested Momon may have begun the job with preconceived notions rather than forming her own opinion about how the group could contribute.

Commissioner Allen responded to Stewart in that same email thread on April 10. In his reply, Allen thanked Stewart for bringing the issues to his attention and acknowledged the work the Animal Advocates had done for shelter animals over the years, including fostering, transporting, medical care, and rescue partnerships. Allen said he understood her concerns about recent interactions with the shelter’s new director. He wrote that, as commissioner, ensuring everyone involved in animal welfare work could operate “harmoniously and productively” was important, and he indicated he planned to follow up with Momon to address Stewart’s observations and determine how collaboration could be improved. Allen also wrote that mutual respect and understanding were essential, and he encouraged continued dialogue. He suggested scheduling a meeting so roles could be discussed and expectations clarified, inviting Stewart to send a couple of dates that would work.

Four days later, on Monday, April 14, 2025, Stewart sent a follow-up message to Allen that took a sharper tone. She wrote that she appreciated his reply but stated the Animal Advocates felt it was “too late” for them to work with Momon, alleging Momon had been “incredibly rude” to volunteers and others who support the group’s efforts. Stewart wrote that the Animal Advocates would be meeting soon to discuss how they would move forward serving animals in the community. She also criticized the decision to place someone without experience in the position and said, in her view, the ones who ultimately pay the price are the animals. Stewart suggested that perhaps someone with rescue experience would step forward and added that the group might contact Allen later about possible changes to laws affecting animals in Chattooga County.

After renewed criticisms about the animal shelter recently, Commissioner Allen issued a new written statement on Wednesday addressing the broader situation with the Animal Advocates organization. In that statement, Allen said he has made repeated attempts over the past several months to reach the Animal Advocates in hopes of creating a constructive dialogue through email, phone calls, and speaking with past members. The commissioner expressed his desire to connect with a designated representative or leader for the organization.

Allen wrote that he appreciates the passion many members bring to animal welfare issues, but expressed concern that the group’s current approach has not contributed to meaningful solutions. He said advocacy is most effective when paired with collaboration and argued that improving animal welfare in Chattooga County requires active partnership rather than public criticism.

To move forward, Allen asked the Animal Advocates to provide the name and contact information of an individual who serves as the organization’s point of contact or leader. He said cooperation from the organization is critical, and noted that POST-certified Peace Officer Charlie Long is leading the county’s animal welfare effort. Allen said having a clear line of communication would allow the county and the group to work together more effectively and ensure concerns are addressed constructively. He concluded by reiterating his commitment to improving conditions for animals in Chattooga County and stated he is requesting a meeting with the best available representative.

The exchange and the commissioner’s latest statement underscore a continuing debate in Chattooga County over how animal welfare and shelter operations should be managed and how community volunteer groups and local government can—or should—work together. While Allen has again called for a formal point of contact and direct discussions, the Animal Advocates’ earlier emails show frustrations that have lingered since spring, particularly regarding shelter leadership and the direction of operations.

Whether the two sides can reestablish communication and agree on a collaborative path forward may shape what changes, if any, come next in the county’s animal welfare system.

Commissioner Allen’s Statement on Wednesday: 

Previous emails between Commissioner Allen and Animal Advocates of Chattooga County: