SCIOTO COUNTY, OH — After weeks of controversy surrounding the Scioto County Dog Shelter and the high-profile resignation of outspoken former Dog Warden Heather Stevens, commissioners have officially filled the position.
At Thursday’s meeting, Scioto County Commissioners swore in Olivia Phipps as the county’s new dog warden.
Commissioner Scottie Powell noted the position carries significant authority and responsibility.
“Something we do every time we have a new dog warden, we swear you in because you have a lot of authority and responsibility here in the county,” Powell said during the ceremony.
⚖️ Oath of Office
During the brief swearing-in ceremony, Phipps pledged to:
- Support the United States Constitution
- Support the Ohio Constitution
- Faithfully carry out the duties of the office
Commissioners then unanimously approved her appointment before quickly moving on to other business.
Notably absent from the discussion:
- The recent shelter controversy
- Allegations raised by Stevens
- Or the intense public scrutiny surrounding the facility
🐾 A Job Under Pressure
Phipps steps into the role at a difficult time for the county’s animal control system, which has recently faced criticism over:
- Shelter conditions
- Overcrowding
- Staffing shortages
- Response delays
- Increased demands under Avery’s Law
Stevens’ departure sparked weeks of public debate after she alleged mold, rodents, workplace harassment, and retaliation inside the shelter system.
Since then, county officials say they have made repairs and improvements while searching for a replacement.
❗ Now the Real Work Begins
With the oath complete and the appointment official, the focus now shifts to what comes next.
The new dog warden will be stepping into a role that involves:
- Dangerous dog investigations
- Animal seizures
- Public complaints
- Court appearances
- Shelter operations
- And a growing number of calls involving loose and aggressive dogs
All while the community watches closely to see whether the county can move beyond the recent chaos.