Webster County Dog Warden John Dunn entered a plea of not guilty at an arraignment hearing held Tuesday morning.

Dunn was charged with second degree cruelty to animals on March 11 following a Kentucky State Police investigation into allegations of animal neglect. Pictures and video of a wounded dog have been circulating in recent weeks, and state authorities cited Dunn, alleging they “discovered that the food, water, and shelter being provided for the dogs was inadequate.” The charges aren’t connected to the images of the dog, which Dunn later said was euthanized at the decision of Webster County Judge-Executive Jim Townsend and local veterinarian George Steedly.

Also this week, county officials barred a Webster County animal volunteer group from the dog pound property, but Townsend declined to discuss the reason for the decision.

“It’s subject to an investigation by the (Webster County) Sheriff’s Office,” Townsend said. “I’m not at liberty to say a whole lot about it.”

When asked if the investigation was connected to the video, Townsend said reports in the media weren’t portraying the situation accurately.

“That’s their story, that’s not our story,” Townsend said.

Webster County Animal Rescue Foundation co-founder Jennafer Boze told The J-E on Tuesday that Dunn contacted her to tell her that the organization was banned from the property, but said he didn’t give a reason for the decision. She said that although she hasn’t spoken to Townsend directly, her impression is that he isn’t supportive of the group or its goals.

“I feel like we’ve made a lot of progess, but the judge-executive apparently does not think we are doing much at all,” Boze said.

She said she would like to have a meeting with Townsend to work out the differences. Townsend also told The J-E he would prefer to talk with the organization members directly, rather than through the media.

Boze said she didn’t know who made the video or who contacted Kentucky State Police.

“All we know is that they are investigating,” she said.

Boze added that she is concerned about what’s happening at the dog pound now that rescue groups aren’t being allowed on the premises, and expressed concern that the images of the dog may be overshadowing a greater need to help other animals.

“I don’t feel like that should be the issue,” she said when asked about the video. “It’s been publicized there is a problem. The issue should be making dog shelter rescue better. If they’re banning rescue groups, no one is coming in to help.”

An official at the Webster County Sheriff’s Office said the department was asked to investigate the pound for signs of a break-in, but had found nothing to indicate forced entry. The county investigation is expected to be completed this week.

Dunn’s next court date, a pre-trial conference, is scheduled for May 18. Webster County Attorney Clint Prow recused himself from the case citing a conflict of interest, and a special prosecutor is expected to be appointed before the next court date.