Police handling dog duties
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Wharton police aren't just stopping speeders, drug dealers and burglars these days - they're chasing down stray dogs and trapping possums, too.

Patrol officers for the last few weeks have added dog catcher duties to their list of things to do in the absence of animal control officer Rubien Jones.

Police Chief Tim Guin said Monday Jones is out indefinitely with health problems, and that the department is doing what it can to "pick up the slack." He declined to comment on the particulars of Jones's illness, saying confidentiality restrictions prevented him from sharing such information.

Jones's absence has resulted in squad cars being temporarily turned into doggie paddy wagons and officers adding animal control poles to their equipment. The city is pitching in as well, with facilities maintenance staff helping out to transport animals or pick up strays when necessary.

Guin said the arrangement has worked well, with officers stepping up to the plate to ensure there's no gaps in animal coverage.

He added it's unclear how long they will have to keep doing it, or whether or not the city will need to find a full-time replacement for Jones.

"When we get more information (as to Jones's condition) we'll decide what we can do."