July 28, 2026 – The Macon County Sheriff’s Office will end its oversight of Macon County Animal Control effective Aug. 1, 2026, returning responsibility for the department to Macon County.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the arrangement began approximately 20 years ago as a temporary agreement to help stabilize and improve Animal Control while it was in need of additional leadership and support. Although intended to be temporary, the agreement remained in place for two decades.
Sheriff’s officials said Animal Control is an independent department of county government, and oversight will now return to the County.
As part of the current agreement, the Sheriff’s Office has also handled misdemeanor animal-related criminal investigations within the City of Decatur. That responsibility will end when the agreement expires on Aug. 1.
The Sheriff’s Office says it will work with the Macon County Board and Animal Control personnel to help ensure an orderly transition.
