Cat Drownings Lead to Official’s Resignation

An animal control officer who admitted he drowned more than 100 cats over the past two years to cut costs has resigned under pressure.

“With government agencies trying to cut costs, cremating them is too expensive, since the charge is by the pound,” said Ralph Holmes, Granville’s animal control officer for nine years. He resigned Thursday.

When asked if village officials knew what he was doing, Holmes said, “I was hired to do a job and they didn’t ask any questions.”

Holmes also said he shot dangerous dogs and dumped their carcasses in the bushes on his property.