Animal Control & Sheriff caught in dog abuse scandal

Rumors have long circulated that County Animal Control Officer Paul Geyman has been active in protecting animal abusers, negligent breeders and even dumping local pets onto rural farms and allowing known abusers to retain their pets. However, the latest unrest has sprung from the very public arrest of John Scott who had been breeding dogs and failing to provide adequate care, food and shelter. But now, rumors have escalated that the County Animal Control Officer and Sheriff Flint are tied directly to Scotts abuse.

Documents have surfaced that clearly show Geyman was actually participating in the abuse by helping Scott place unsold and in some cases ill puppies with possible adopters and the Women's Prison Canine program. First person-source reports indicate Geyman was denying abuse and neglect up to and including the day before Scotts arrest that resulted in the rescue of numerous dogs, many so ill they were near death. Emails held by OldMadison2 directly name Geyman and detail how he met Scott, took puppies and transported them to the D.O.C. and describe how Geyman and Scott have been long time friends. The emails further note that Geyman has for many years "helped" Scott on various animal issues including dogs and horses. Humane Society officers have confirmed conversations with Scott in which Scott acknowledges his failures; the Society also confirmed they had reached out to current Sheriff Flint, past sheriffs Wallace and Thomas regarding the Scott issue, Geyman's alleged misconduct and the possibility that Geyman had been acting illegally for some time related to animal abuse, animal abandonment, falsification of public documents including rabies, bite cases and endangering the public, shelter volunteers and staff. Several years in the past Geyman confessed he had been "dumping cats in the county because he didn't want them to be euthanized at the shelter." Geyman acknowleged he had been dumping the cats "at farms" for numerous years. Several local farmers complained about Geymans dumping animals on and near their property. The animal control officers decision to dump unneutered cats has been credited in part with directly and heavily contributing to the cat overpopulation crisis in Madison-Jefferson County.

Geyman has a colored history- it was well known, he was hired because various elected officials "felt sorry" for him due to his father's debilitating illness and Geyman's inability to secure any regular employment. It was then Mayor Al Huntington asked a favor of County Commissioners to hire Geyman after the previous animal control officer had been terminated for threats against others and self. At the time commissioners oversaw county animal control; several years later oversight was switched to the sheriff's department where it remains today. During the transition, Sheriff Candidate Wallace committed to address problems with Geyman after meeting with Humane Society board members who detailed how Geyman had falsified rabies reports, bite reports and placed the public, volunteers and shelter staff in immediate danger. However, after being provided evidence and meeting several times, Wallace failed to act and allowed Geyman to continue his alleged misconduct after Wallace was elected to his first term as Sheriff.

Following the Scott arrest by the County Sheriff's Office that resulted in multiple felony charges related to the neglect and abuse of his dogs, persons raised concern because county law enforcement and animal control had abandoned several dogs on the property and failed to arrange for food or shelter. The dogs had been left without any care whatsoever when Scott was jailed. According to Scott, when he learned, the county had failed to arrange for food he was upset and demanded the county take responsibility since he could no longer feed the dogs. Eventually, Scott asked a friend to help and gave permission to enter the property to feed. Upon his first release Scott assumed responsibility to feed the dogs even though he no longer lived on the property. Eventually he was able to remove three puppies that had been born during his incarceration and assure they were safe. In what may have been a violation of his bail conditions, Scott was again arrested, incarcerated and the puppies moved to the local animal shelter. The adult female and male were again left without food or care. The case against Scott remains open although nearing the final stages of plea agreements. The Humane Society continues to encourage Scott to avoid any further breeding and adhere to any court demands but has not authority to take further action except to meet with Sheriff Ben Flint to address the issues surrounding Animal Control Officer Paul Geyman.

According to Humane Society Officers they contacted Flint immediately following Scott's arrest and asked what Flint would be doing to address Geyman's role in the neglect and abuse. Flint assured officers he would complete an "internal investigation and report back to the Society." Flint failed to report back, however according to the Society, Flint agreed to meet with shelter staff, County Commissioners and Society officers after the Society insisted on conversation. Although shelter representatives, Society and County Commissioners office have repeatedly agreed to meet with Flint, he has since cancelled several scheduled meetings and repeatedly failed to reschedule. UPDATE : As of March 23'd Flint had failed to reschedule the meeting regarding Geyman's role in the Scott abuse and neglect. Flint had been informed when he canceled the last early March meeting that it was likely press would be notified of Geyman's role in the abuse and Flints failure to take action to address Geyman's ongoing issues.

According to a Humane Society Officer they have taken every step they can to encourage Flint to take action and will continue to do so. They have also confirmed they have a Society board member in contact with Mr. Scott who encourages Scott to cease all breeding and allow the Society to spay and neuter any remaining or future dogs of which he may have control or ownership. Geyman is scheduled to retire fall of 2026. Sheriff Flint faces primary challenger Mike Sims in this year's May 5th Republican primary.