Animal shelter's interim manager replaced by predecessor

The new interim Cherokee County Animal Shelter manager is the old interim shelter manager.

Cherokee County Finance Director Mike Vassey, who also served as the interim shelter manager after state authorities began an investigation at the shelter, has asked to return to his finance job, Cherokee County Interim Administrator Ben Clary told council members Wednesday.

County animal control officer Donnie Crowe would replace Vassey as the interim shelter manager, Clary said.

But several council members and local animal rights advocates disagreed with the moves. Councilman Bailey Humphries said it was his understanding that Vassey would remain as interim shelter manager until a permanent one is hired.

Councilman Quay Little also questioned the personnel switch.

"Mike has done an excellent job," Little said. "I believe Mike should stay there until somebody permanently is hired."

The animal rights proponents were more vocal in their displeasure.

Hillary Mower, a local chiropractor, said she was concerned with the appointment of Crowe, who she claimed allegedly violated animal cruelty laws when he euthanized animals at the shelter.

Clary said Crowe wouldn't perform any euthanizations on animals at the shelter, but agreed to ask Vassey to continue as shelter manager.

"Mike is a very agreeable person," he said.

Clary reminded the animal rights supporters of the county's role in animal control.

"We are there to act as an animal shelter, not an animal hospital," he said.

Council did approve a permanent animal shelter position. The administrator will set the salary with council's approval. Councilman Charles Mathis, who chairs the finance committee, said the salary shouldn't be higher than Crowe's present pay because of Crowe's many years with the county.