City of Vincennes Ends Animal Shelter Agreement with Knox County

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - The City of Vincennes has terminated its agreement with Knox County to take in lost and stray animals from outside city limits at the Vincennes Animal Shelter.

“There’s been some recent events that I don’t agree with, so we need to discontinue this MOU (Memorandum of Understanding),” Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum told Knox County Commissioners during their regular meeting Tuesday.

Mayor Yochum suggested the county consider establishing its own animal shelter, including the possibility of housing it at the jail where inmates could potentially assist in caring for the animals.

During the meeting, Knox County Sheriff Doug Vantlin told commissioners that he has been in contact with three other animal care facilities outside of Knox County.

“One is interested in taking our dogs, another is willing to take them now, and a third wants to sit down and talk with you [the commissioners] about a contract,” Sheriff Vantlin told Commissioners.

Sheriff Vantlin then responded to Mayor Yochum’s suggestion, saying he would not support placing a kennel at the sheriff’s office.

“You have disease, you have waste, you have long-term care. What are we going to do with these animals if they stay a long time there,” Sheriff Vantlin said.

Sheriff Vantlin went on to say having stray dogs on the same property as law enforcement canines would not be a good combination.

Sheriff Vantlin added the sheriff’s office will continue responding to aggressive dog calls.

Knox County Commissioner President TJ Brink told WAKC News Now he appreciates the City of Vincennes and the animal shelter for caring for county animals over the years.

“It’s unfortunate that we’ve come to this point, but I understand where the mayor and the animal shelter are coming from,” Brink said.

Brink went on to say the county will have to partner with another county, though what that will look like right now remains unclear.

“I want to make sure that wherever these dogs go, they are maintained, taken care of, and loved,” Brink said.

WAKC News Now asked whether the county would consider opening a shelter at the jail.

Brink said no, citing liability concerns and noting the decision would ultimately fall to the sheriff, who has already said he would not support the idea.

“Anytime you have an inmate work population like that, if a dog were to bite one, you have a massive lawsuit on your hands,” Brink said.

The agreement requires a 30-day written notice by either party to terminate, meaning it is set to end on or around May 7, 2026.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Vincennes Animal Shelter is not closing and will continue operating under the City of Vincennes, but will no longer take in animals from outside city limits once the agreement ends.