(CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio) — The Pickaway County Dog Shelter is once again without a leader following the termination of Chief Dog Warden William Brannock. The decision comes after Brannock was placed on administrative leave for over a week, ending a tenure that lasted only one month.
County officials have not yet released a formal statement regarding the specific nature of the “misconduct” that led to Brannock’s dismissal. The swift termination adds another layer of instability to an office that has been under intense public and legal pressure for more than a year.
A Shelter Under Scrutiny
Brannock was hired in early 2026 to lead the shelter during a period of significant criticism. His appointment followed the voluntary demotion of former Chief Warden Preston Schumacher, who stepped down amid a massive legal battle stemming from a 2024 tragedy.
In October 2024, 73-year-old grandmother Jo Ann Echelbarger was mauled to death by two loose pit bulls while gardening outside her Ashville condominium. Investigation into the attack revealed that local police had requested the dog warden’s office seize the animals weeks prior to the fatal incident, but no action was taken.
Ongoing Legal Battles
The Echelbarger family has since filed a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit naming the county, the dog warden’s office, and other entities as defendants.
- Criminal Convictions: The owners of the dogs were convicted of involuntary manslaughter in early 2025 and sentenced to 14–19 years in prison.
- Civil Litigation: The civil suit alleges systemic failure and neglect of duty by the warden’s office, a claim that continues to loom over the department as it struggles to maintain consistent leadership.
Mixed Local Reaction
Despite the short timeframe, some Pickaway County residents expressed disappointment over Brannock’s departure. Several community members reached out to local media, noting that the shelter’s appearance and operations had shown visible improvement during his four weeks on the job.
Brannock will make the fourth Warden to hold the position in just four years.
As of this report, county commissioners have not returned calls for comment regarding the search for a new warden or the specific allegations against Brannock.
