Manager placed on paid leave while police investigate Columbus Animal Care & Control

The manager of Columbus Animal Care & Control and a field supervisor have been placed on administrative leave, according to a Facebook post by Columbus Councilwoman Toyia Tucker.

Tucker posted screenshots of a letter from Public Works Director Drale Short, who put Manager Canita Hardnett-Johnson on administrative leave with pay. The letter, dated Sept. 12, said the leave was immediate.

“This action is being taken due to an ongoing investigation involving the Animal Care and Control Division, of which you are the manager,” Short wrote in the letter.

That active investigation was called for after a July city council meeting in which residents expressed outrage over a video that showed a dog being euthanized at the Columbus animal shelter.

In August, a search warrant was served at Columbus Animal Care & Control as part of that investigation, according to the Columbus Police Department. CPD said several complaints had been made by citizens against animal control.

Hardnett-Johnson is not permitted to come to the workplace, perform any work, or access work email or systems, according to the letter shared online.

The letter also stated Hardnett-Johnson should refrain from contacting employees involved in the investigation unless Hardnett-Johnson receives approval from Short.

Short wasn’t available for comment Monday morning.

Alexander Pimentel, a field supervisor, was also placed on administrative leave with pay due to an ongoing investigation involving Animal Care & Control, according to Tucker’s post.

This story was originally published September 23, 2024 at 11:19 AM.