Fired Sonoma County Animal Control Head Reappointed

Former Sonoma County Director of Animal Care and Control Amy Cooper, who was fired in July, has been reappointed, Sonoma County officials announced today.

Cooper will return to her old job Tuesday. She was fired July 12 by days before her probationary period was to expire.

nd has sued to regain her position. In February, she was sentenced to three years' probation for misdemeanor DUI.

County officials did not publicly state why Neville was fired, but her controversial dismissal of Cooper last year shocked and angered animal care employees and some members of the public.

Animal Care and Control was shifted from the Agricultural Commissioner's Office to the Public Health Division of the county's Department of Health Services during the controversy.

Cooper was selected to return to her old job from among 65 applicants, said Rita Scardaci, Director of the Department of Health Services.

"Ms. Cooper brings experience and passion to the position. She has a deep understanding of community relations in providing a system of animal care," Scardaci said.

"I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting back to work -- with staff, volunteers and the community," Cooper said in a prepared statement.

By Bay City News