We are officially Asking for the Sheriff to remove Leon Godlock from his position as Animal Control Director.

On October 5th 2014 there was a structure fire at a property on Hudlow Rd., owned by a Mr Higgins and his wife. The property owners had been reported for the last decide for hording and neglecting animals. Those present at the scene reported seeing many dog cages under the structure before the roof collapsed.

Today the Daily Courier reported the news. We called Lt Godlock today (Oct. 7th) and he was not aware of the fire on Hudlow Rd. Once informed, he said that he would not be removing any animals from Mr. Higgins care, and he had no knowledge of any arson investigation at a location where he has an ongoing Animal Welfare investigation. I asked if he would consider investigating and he said "Is there anything else I can Help you with?".

A number of complaints over the last decade have been filed against Hoover Higgins for hoarding and neglecting animals, including dogs and horses. The complaints to animal control have done nothing until very recently - a may 2014 letter to Mr. Higgins cited no water for dogs, dogs living in thier own feces, too many horses and not enough food for the horses, no structure for cover, and other neglect factors.

Further, Lt. Godlock has been negligent in overseeing the animal shelter in Rutherford County. His leadership is ineffective, resulting in the state finding the taxpayers of Rutherford County a $5,000 fine for his negligent oversight of the Animal Shelter.

Please remove him as director of Animal Control and the Animal Shelter. Rutherford County will NOT tolerate abuse and neglect, ESPEICALLY from the very people who are supposed to enforse the laws preventing these crimes.