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Animal control issues in Stanly County are now under the purview of the Sheriff’s Office.

In a move after a closed session with Sheriff Jeff Crisco at Monday’s meeting of the Stanly County Board of Commissioners, the board unanimously approved moving the animal control department from the county’s health department to the sheriff’s office effective Oct. 6.

Chairman Matthew Swain said the health department will still handle rabies issues, but the day-to-day operation of animal control resides with the sheriff.

Several surrounding counties like Union and Cabarrus have their respective sheriff departments manage animal control, according to Swain.

Previously, the department was under the head of the health department and its director, David Jenkins, but there was a chain of command with supervisors and department heads that have other roles with the county as well.