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Volunteers sworn in this week

COLUMBUS—The Polk County Board of Commissioners appointed animal cruelty investigators for the 2020-2021 year this week.

Commissioners met on Monday and appointed Nancy Hasselbring, Martin Kenynton, Stephen King, Brandon Knox, Nancy Phelps, Laurel Pyatt, Charles Rounds and Margo Savage.

The investigators were sworn in on the Polk County Courthouse lawn on Tuesday.

Polk County Animal Cruelty Investigators serve under the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Department and animal control officer Patti Lovelace. Investigators must follow guidelines set by the state of North Carolina.

Investigators serve a one-year term and are subject to removal for cause by the board of county commissioners.

Investigators, while in the performance of their official duties investigating potential animal cruelty crimes, wear their badge identifying them as animal cruelty investigators.

Volunteer investigators must attend annual courses of at least 6 hours through the North Carolina Human Federation or some other approved agency at their own expense.

The course gives the individual investigator expertise in the investigation of complaints relating to the care and treatment of animals.