Norwood Named County Litter Control Specialist and Dog Catcher

Randy Norwood was recently hired by Lewis County Government to serve as the county's Litter Control Specialist and Dog Catcher.

"We're excited to have Mr. Norwood join our team," stated Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner. "His primary job is picking up litter along the right-of-way of county roads, and investing county dump sites; but he's also responsible for picking up stray and vicious dogs out in the county."

Last month Mr. Norwood and his family were honored with an "Animal Control Officer Appreciation Day" luncheon at the park, which was hosted and organized by Linda and Paul Nelson. Several residents from the community stopped by to say, "thank you", and donate items to Mr. Norwood, in appreciation of the great job he's done caring for the dogs in Lewis County.

Per county ordinance, in order to address a dog call, Mr. Norwood must first be notified by Dispatch so the issue can be properly documented. Citizens should not call Mr. Norwood directly, nor the county courthouse; rather, Dispatch must be called so a record can be made of the incident. The number for Dispatch is (931) 796-3616.

Once Dispatch notifies Mr. Norwood about a stray or vicious dog out in the county, he will pick up the dog and hold it at least 3 business days at the Lewis County Dog Pound. A dog that is not claimed in three business days will be considered "adoptable" as long as it has no serious issues.

Anyone interested in adopting a dog from the Lewis County Dog Pound may do so for a small adoption fee of just $20.00. However, they must also pay to have the dog spayed/neutered, as well as pay for it to undergo all applicable vaccinations and de-worming, receive a flea/tick preventative, and undergo a heart-worming test. The health and well-being of the dog is critical to the county.

Outside normal working hours, Mr. Norwood is only authorized to respond to a dog call if it is an emergency involving a vicious dog posing a severe threat to the community. All non-emergency calls that occur outside normal working hours will be addressed the following business day.

"The county partners with the High Forest Humane Society, Horse Plus Humane Society, and Miss Christine Brown to adopt out our stray dogs", stated Mr. Norwood. "Without their help, I don't know what we'd do with all these dogs I pick up."

If you would like to donate dog food or other items to assistant Mr. Norwood in the care of these animals, please contact the Lewis County Mayor's office at (931) 796-3378, or drop off the items at the county courthouse, located at 110 North Park in Hohenwald.

For more information about dog laws in the State of Tennessee, please visit the website: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/tn-dog-consolidated-dog-laws