Unicoi County board removes animal shelter director

The Unicoi County Animal Welfare Board voted on Thursday night to remove the county’s animal shelter director. In a 5-2 vote, the board chose to remove shelter director Cody Walker and animal control officer and assistant director Pam Harris from their positions. Walker and Harris were not at the meeting. Board members described conditions at the shelter, which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, as “deplorable.” Board members said the conditions at the shelter were still poor even after spending $72,000 for repairs and cleanup. Unanswered calls, including a dog biting incident, was also a contributing factor to the pairs removal.