Kayleb McLelland, who has served as Greenwood’s animal control officer since April, says his job combines two of his goals.
“I’ve always been drawn to law enforcement, but I wanted to involve animals, so I felt like animal control was perfect,” he said.
McLelland, 31, grew up in Pacifica, California, and moved to Greenwood when he was 16. He started volunteering at the Leflore County Humane Society and found his calling in life. Volunteering became a stepping stone into his new role as an animal control officer.
“Ever since I got involved then I wanted to do nothing but to work with animals,” McLelland said. “I’ve worked in all kinds of settings. I’ve worked with rescues, vet clinics, spay-and-neuter clinics, everything you can imagine. I felt I could make a big difference doing that.”
McLelland’s job allows him to help animals that just need some love and also educate people about what to do with nuisance animals.
“It keeps the community safe and the animal population under control,” McLelland said. “I try to educate people about spay and neutering. That’s a big issue anywhere you go. You don’t want animals to overpopulate because then it does cause problems.”
Animals have always been a part of McLelland’s life and have been there for him when times got hard.
“They don’t judge you for anything you’ve done, just like we don’t judge them for anything they’ve done,” he said. “They listen to you; they give love. They’ve always helped me growing up.”
His job can be stressful. Sometimes a vicious dog or feral cat is putting the public or other animals at risk, and a tough decision must be made. No matter how many times he’s done it, McLelland said, “that is never easy.”
Sometimes, McLelland has to pick up an animal that seems vicious but is just misunderstood. For example, a dog may have gotten lost and acted mean because it was scared.
McLelland said the best part is seeing the animals go to good homes.
“That’s my goal. Any animal that I can bring back home or find a home for, I want to do that,” McLelland said. “The last resort is them ending up in a shelter. We have an amazing shelter, but no one wants them to come here if there is a way for them to stay in a forever home.”
Anyone considering adopting an animal may call the Leflore County Humane Society at 662-453-8085.
- Contact Jared Conerly at 662-581-7237 or jconerly@gwcommonwealth.com.
