Newly hired animal control officer in Canton resigns - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Newly hired animal control officer in Canton resigns

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JACKSON, MS (WLBT)--Canton's new animal control officer, who was hired after the termination of former animal control officer, Alonzo Esco, has now resigned.

Inez Speaks was hired back in May following Esco's termination from the post.

Esco was accused of shooting and dumping numerous animals in a Canton creek. According to the Clarion-Ledger, the 70 year old resigned to protect herself and her family from public scrutiny.

Speaks had scored the highest on an exam used to assess job candidates' skills in animal control.

But the hire was controversial because of her longtime friendship with Canton police chief, Vickie McNeil and because of her age.

Both McNeil and Speaks deny that their relationship was a factor in the hire.

Meantime, Alonzo Esco will have an initial hearing next month on five animal cruelty and four illegal dumping charges.

A full trial is expected to held this fall.

©2010 WLBT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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