WARREN The Warren animal control officer's contract expires in March and there's a rule that the position must first be offered to a union member of the city.

Last week, during council discussion the current officer, Jason Cooke, objected, asking for a compromise that would allow him to keep his contract with the city and satisfy the union requirement by bringing another person on.

While there's still been no movement on a decision from council just yet, dozens gathered in support of Cooke at Tuesday night's council meeting, asking the board to retain him. One by one, they got up and made their positions known.

"I learned a lot from Jay and he a good person for the community and if you ask me, where would the dogs go without Jay? Who gone take the dogs in," Tashawn Fambro Sr., Warren resident said.

"He has done a fabulous job and why would anybody want to change that," Harriet Gyongzois, Warren resident said.

"He gets some bad press for having to do you know, enforcement but that's what needed to save some of these dogs," Kristen Riley, Warren resident said.

"He's been through a lot to the point when the dog gave him a wound and he still puts up with it," Jernell Cummings, Warren resident said.

There were so many that wanted to fight for him, the list of speakers had to be cut short by council.

However, while the majority was going to bat for Cooke, not everyone was on the same page.

"I'm against Jason Cooke," Kelly Bland of Warren said. "There's been some abuse of power, I think that's a problem. I think he preys on some of the people that are either less educated or uneducated," Bland said.

Bland raised the question of why Cooke is allowed to house more than 100 animals at Healthy Hearts and Paws, when it can only house 50.

Residents in attendance called out during Bland's turn at the podium asking if she'd like to take the animals herself.

Council acknowledged the work Cooke has done, seemingly agreeing with most of what's been said tonight.

"The council of the city of Warren honors and recognizes Jason Cooke, for his dedicated service, commitment and bravery in the line of duty. We extend our gratitude for his contributions to our community," the court secretary read.

Cooke was grateful and wanted to reiterate his stance.

"I really do want to work with the city and as I mentioned, I think the best option moving forward is to retain my contract, hire a city official and let's get two people out there on the streets I think it'll be safer, I think it'll be more effective and we'll be seeing the results that we want to," Cooke said.

Mayor Doug Franklin said they haven't begun negotiations with Cooke just yet as they are still working through this situation.