The Chattooga County Animal Shelter routinely uses inmates from the Chattooga County Jail to perform duties around the shelter.  Yesterday it was discovered that inmates were being left at the shelter without proper supervision by a county employee. 
Chattooga County Commissioner Jason Winters told AM 1180 Chattooga County radio that when he discovered inmates were left with only a Community Service worker to supervise them, he asked Chattooga County Sheriff John Everett to temporarily remove all inmates from the shelter.  Winters stated that he would use Chattooga County Public Works Department employees for the next couple of days at the animal shelter while he deals with the situation.  The shelter is normally closed on Wednesdays. Winters stated that he would have more to say about his decision regarding management at the animal shelter later this week.  At the beginning of the month Commissioner Winters divided the responsibilities at Animal Control between the shelter and enforcement, when he hired former Trion Police officer Aubrey “Smitty” Smith to work in animal control enforcement.  Winters commended Smith for the job he has done so far as the county’s only animal control enforcement officer.