From the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department:

Cumberland County Sheriff Earl R. Butler has taken a stand against crimes of animal cruelty in the local community.  The Sheriff’s Office has partnered with County Animal Services to hire a full-time law officer to investigate reports of abuse in the county and city.  The position was created to provide in-depth felony investigations and enhance public awareness about roadside puppy mills, dog and cock fighting and reports of neglect.  These crimes have become a concern for many citizens throughout the United States.

Cumberland County Animal Services Director Scottie Harris recommended the partnership with the Sheriff’s Office in October, 2009.  Following discussions and interviews with perspective candidates for this position, both Sheriff Butler and Harris agreed to hire 30-year old

Detective Jonathon Perkins.  Perkins is a former U.S. Army soldier and has served three years as a Sheriff’s Deputy.  He is a “Nationally Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator” and is the first for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.  Detective Perkins will join a team of civilian investigators already in place at Animal Services.

The position, which will be paid by Cumberland County Animal Services, will come with an annual salary equivalent to a Sheriff’s Deputy III.