Health chief doubles down on testimony

Victor Smith, a staff member at the St. Louis County Animal Care & Control, hoses down one of the cages on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at the shelter on Baur Road in Olivette.

Louis County's public health director doubled down this week on public statements concerning the state of the county animal shelter, even as employees — and the chair of the County Council — accused her of dishonesty.