A critical staffing shortage at the Clallam County jail is forcing the Sheriff’s Office to temporarily pull its animal control deputy off that assignment.

Corrections Deputy Ed Bauck, who has been serving as Clallam County’s Animal Control Deputy, is being reassigned to the jail through January 1st to help cover staffing gaps. The Sheriff’s Office says Bauck’s dual experience in corrections and animal control makes him the only deputy who can be shifted quickly during the shortage.

The move means the county will not have a dedicated animal control deputy for the rest of the year. Sheriff’s officials say animal?related calls will still be handled — patrol deputies will respond while Bauck is working in the jail.

For animal-related calls for service, please contact PenCom Dispatch at 360-417-2459 (Option 1).

For eligible non-emergency animal complaints, you may also file an online report through the Sheriff’s Office website: https://secure.coplogic.com/dors/en/filing/submitreport

For emergencies or situations involving an immediate threat to people or animals, call 911.

The Sheriff's Office did not say how many jail positions are vacant or what led to the "critical" staffing need.  Bauck is expected to remmain assigned to the jail until January 1st.

PHOTO:  Deputy Ed Bauck and Theo