Edmonson Shelter Must Be Closed

No reason to try to rehabilitate or reuse terrible facility

 The situation at the Edmonson County Animal Shelter should have never been allowed to happen.

Animals were discovered very malnourished, without water, covered in their own urine and feces, with urine burns on some of the animals’ feet, and some of them had obvious wounds.

 Last week, the shelter’s director, Kim Carroll, of Bee Spring, was cited and charged with second-degree animal cruelty following the discovery of dozens of cats and dogs – including dead ones – in what police called an “extremely poor environment.”

It’s very unfortunate that a year after a Daily News investigative team visited the shelter numerous times and reported conditions that appeared to fall short of guidelines for shelters offered by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians that the same conditions still exist. In that investigation, it was revealed that animals were in cages too small, some were underweight and some were without water.

It’s quite obvious the newspaper’s story had no impact on those running the shelter as the conditions remained the same.

After the animals were discovered last week, several of them had to be euthanized due to the cruel conditions of this shelter.That’s a shame and a good indication that Caroll and her husband, Greg, have no business running an animal shelter. The conditions these animals were found in is a clear evidence of that.

It’s truly reprehensible that someone would let animals live in these types of conditions. There is some good news out of this and that is that the shelters doors have been shuttered for now and 47 dogs and 17 cats were removed from the property. Other county agencies as far away as Owensboro also took animals from the property to their shelters.

The question now is, where does Edmonson County go from here in regards to the future of this shelter? Edmonson County Judge-Executive Wil Cannon says the county doesn’t condone wrongdoing and that the county government doesn’t own or operate the shelter in Bee Spring. He is correct. It is a for-profit business owned by the Carrolls.

Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society Director Lorri Hare has been invaluable in getting some animals out of their shelter and getting them here. Hare has called for this shelter to be closed and has been invited to speak by Cannon before the Edmonson County Fiscal Court next week.

Hare expects the county will ask the Bowling Green shelter to take in Edmonson County animals with a contract agreement. Hare said there will only be a chance for that if the Carrolls are no longer involved at all in animal control in Edmonson County.We agree with Hare that it’s time for the Carrolls to move on to a new profession because this one certainly isn’t for them.

Cannon seems to be on the same page as Hare, which is good. Edmonson County government will have to hire, equip and properly train someone to take the animals to Warren County if something is worked out with the Warren County shelter. Barring some legal reason, Cannon plans to ask fiscal court to dissolve the county’s contract with the Carrolls.

 Cannon is being proactive and taking the right approach. He should be commended for doing so. Cannon made a very good point when he said the Carrolls were given a chance last year to right whatever wrongs that may have been occurring at the shelter and they didn’t.The Carrolls simply dropped the ball and in doing so put animals at risk which in some cases resulted in animals being euthanized.

In the final analysis, this should’ve never happened. We’re glad to see that the county and Hare are working on correcting this bad situation and providing a better home for these animals. Our view is that this shelter needs to be closed permanently and we sincerely hope that is the final decision.

News Link:–http://www.bgdailynews.com/opinion/our_opinion/edmonson-shelter-must-be-closed/article_d0c68420-8ae7-5178-ae75-a6d60b691a15.html

Who would do this? Animal Control Officer seeks culprit in animal cruelty case

“People who can do this sort of thing to an animal, are clearly born without the part of the brain that makes the majority of us appalled at such horrific sites. I do hope they found whoever did this, fast. If you think you know who the dog belongs to, please contact the information below the picture, thank you!”

Metter Animal Shelter is looking for tips of the person or persons responsible for wrapping duct tape around this dog’s head.

The dog was found on the Stillmore Hwy. Monday morning. Metter Fire and Rescue assisted with removing the chain and duct tape.

Contact ACO Tommy Condrey at 912-685-7877 or send us a message at the shelter. 

News Link:– http://www.metteradvertiser.com/news/image_b9cd60e6-3190-11e6-b339-cf4eb648bfa9.html

2 Dogs Found Abandoned In Home Covered In Glue And Paint

“WTF…thought I had seen it all; it appears not! Evil, sadistic animal abusing bxxxxxd’s will always walk amongst us, committing their heinous cruel animal attacks; because they are sick POS that know they can get away with it! If caught, they know they will only receive a petty punishment; which will not deter them from abusing again!! ANIMAL WELFARE & ABUSE LAWS MUST BECOME STRICTER WITH MORE SEVERE CONSEQUENCES FOR THOSE THAT ABUSE; I would like to think that harsher punishments, would at the very least, scare first time or younger offenders, enough to hopefully stop them from abusing animals ever again!!” 

Updated: Jan 31, 2014 10:08 PM GST; Reported By Nick Caloway

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –

Animal control officers are investigating after two small dogs were found covered with blue plumber’s glue and left for dead in Nashville. 

This is downright Animal Abuse; those who did this need locking up!!

The female Chihuahuas were found Wednesday by the landlord of an abandoned home on 10th Avenue North.

The dogs had been painted all over with the glue, which eventually hardened and left the animals helpless.

Dottie Dively, the staff veterinarian at Metro Animal Control, said it could be weeks before all the glue comes off.

“We have been successful in shaving some of it,” Dively said. “We may have to shave some more under sedation.”

Divey added since being found, the dogs have been named Sapphire and Opal.

“It fits, because they truly are gems and they will be beautiful again,” she said.

Cruelty investigator Billy Biggs wasn’t shy in expressing how badly he’d like to catch those responsible.

“You go from being sad to being mad,” said Biggs. “There’s no reason to do this to an animal.”

Investigators say it’s possible it was juveniles who committed the crime.

Those responsible could face a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, which is a felony.

It will be at least four to six weeks before the dogs will be available for adoption.

News Link:–http://www.wkrn.com/story/24595811/2-dogs-found-abandoned-in-home-covered-in-glue

Multiple Dogs Freeze To Death In Marion County

“WTF…if your cold, the chances are your dog is freezing it’s bit’s off too; unless your dog is a Saint Bernard who is used to living in freezing conditions. Besides if you have a dog, it should be in your home & part of your family! If it’s just a garden ornament then you don’t deserve to have an animal with the capability of unconditional love! A dog is a family pet, so treat it like one, not just a cheap alarm system!”

By    Jeff Wagner – Updated: Thursday, January 9

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Criminal charges were being pursued after two dog owners left their dogs outside in the cold and the animals froze to death, officials from Animal Care and Control said Wednesday.

On Tuesday, an Animal Care and Control worker told 24-Hour News 8 that as many as seven dogs froze to death in Marion County this week. Officials clarified that number on Wednesday.

Two dogs with a home died, and an unknown number of stray dogs also froze to death, officials said. The volume of phone calls into Marion County Animal Care and Control made it difficult to pinpoint the exact number. The remains of stray dogs are cleaned up by the Indianapolis Department of Public Works.

The dangerous temperatures are taking a toll on pets.

Animal Control officers had been called out because two pet dogs in Marion County had been left outside in the frigid conditions and died.

Animal Care and Control said they had a constant stream of phone calls since 10 a.m. Sunday.

People have called Animal Care and Control for a number of issues, including help with cats, horses, goats and exotic birds.

Indianapolis Animal control officers wrote more than 70 citations during the storm, ranging from a dog being left outside to one not having updated tags.

But when a pet dies, it becomes a criminal case.

On a warmer but still snow covered day in Indianapolis, 24-Hour News 8 thought it would be a long shot to find a pet left out in the cold but that idea was wrong.

24-Hour News 8’s Jeff Wagner found a dog named Chance, and luckily she was only roaming a few houses down from where she lived.

“She has come back every time I’ve clapped my hands, but as soon as I walk outside then she takes off, she’s been taking off all morning,” said owner Beverly Patton.

She said a frozen leash, combined with Chance’s love for running are the only reasons we found her alone outside.

“I cannot imagine leaving your dogs out, that’s like people,” she said.

But unfortunately some owners did.

“You need to bring them in or we will confiscate them for their safety,” said Dan Shackle, administrator for Indianapolis Animal Care & Control.

His officers did confiscate a few pets during the storm. Some dogs were found with frostbite on their paws or ears. Often times their water bowls were frozen over.

Those dogs now in kennels, just like the others who are hoping to get adopted. But unfortunately, two pet dogs didn’t survive while outside, meaning their owners could face criminal charges.

“Depending on the facts in the individual case it could either be an ‘A’ misdemeanor or ‘D’ felony,” he said.

Shackle hopes justice is served in those cases. But mainly, he just wants owners to take better care of their pets.

“When you ask if I’m glad that only two died, yes I’m glad more of them didn’t die, but the two shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” he said.

If a dog was confiscated, the owner will get a citation. They’ll have a date in court where a judge will determine what type of penalty they’ll face, like a fine.

The judge also has final say on whether or not the pet should be returned to the owner.

So what should you do if you see a pet left out in the cold?

The Humane Society says you should write down as many details as you can, even take pictures or video if it’s safe.

Then contact your local animal control or sheriff’s department. Make sure you also take notes and follow up if the situation doesn’t get better.

If you need advice on what to do you, click here.

If you see an animal in trouble in Indianapolis, you can call the Mayor’s Action Centre at 327-4-MAC.

You can also download the “Request Indy” app to submit a report.

For tips on keeping animals safe in the cold, click here.

Video & News Post:-http://www.wishtv.com/news/local/seven-dogs-freeze-to-death-in-marion-county

Graphic Image: Puppy With Ears Cut Off Expected To Recover

UPDATE:  December 28, OKLAHOMA CITY – It’s a happy ending for a little puppy who was the victim of horrific animal abuse.

We first told you about “Sweet Baby Jones”, the pit bull puppy a few weeks ago. He was found with his ears cut off, left out in the freezing cold when he was just four weeks old.

Puppy recovering well after his ears were cut off & left abandoned

The Bella Foundation and Neel Veterinary Hospital nursed him back to health.

Now, Jones will be adopted by a family from Colorado who works with the organization Stopping BSL, a group that works to stop discrimination against pit bulls.

Members of The Bella Foundation are sad to see him go, but can’t think of a better family to place him with.

“His foster mom took such great care of him. He is doing so well on potty training, he plays well with other dogs.” Jessica McLaughlin said. “He’s going to forget about everything that happened to him before this and he’s going to live a wonderful life.”

Jones has had all of his shots, been neutered and finally had the stitches removed from his ears.

The Bella Foundation brought Jones to their adoption event on Saturday for one last public appearance before he goes home with his new family.

Jones will have two siblings, a chihuahua and another pit bull. The family says Jones will fit right in.

News Link:–http://kfor.com/2013/12/28/victim-puppy-with-ears-cut-off-finds-new-home/

November 29 OKLAHOMA CITY – Staff at The Bella Foundation are trying to find the person responsible for cutting the ears off a 4-week-old pit bull puppy.

Puppy found in freezing cold with his ears cut off!!

The puppy was found wandering around near 23rd Street and I-44.

“He had blood covering from his ears all the way down his neck and even onto his legs. And it was frozen to his fur and was also just stuck to him.” Eric McCune, executive director of Bella, said. “We’re still trying to get it off now because he’s so little, you know, it hurts. And so we’ll probably have to wait a few more days and a few more baths to get the rest of it off of him.”

Today, he is doing better. Tevin Garner with The Bella Foundation is nursing him back to health and giving him a good dose of snuggles.

“It just absolutely breaks my heart to know what he was going through when it happened, to know that he was awake, and you know, just an innocent little puppy being abused like that.” She said.

Recovering well after being found abandoned & his ears cut off

“This little guy, his ears were done with no anaesthetic, no pain killer, probably with a pair of scissors. And then set down and left to heal on his own.” McCune said.

They nicknamed the puppy “Sweet Baby Jones.” Over the next few weeks, the pup will stay on painkillers and antibiotics. Then the vet will reshape and fix what is left of his ears.

Jones is just a small part of an even bigger problem though; they are worried there could be more puppies like him out there.

“I personally have never seen a litter of one puppy, especially pit bull puppies.” McCune said. “Usually there are 7 or 8, sometimes more. And so he probably has brothers and sisters that are in this same situation.”

Now they’re working to save other puppies from suffering the same abuse as Jones.

“All he wants to do is be with people and cuddle despite what other people have done to him.” Garner said.

As soon as Jones is well enough, he will be put up for adoption.

The Bella Foundation believes his litter mates are somewhere in the area of N.W. 23rd Street and I-44 and hope to find them soon.

If you have any information on who did this to Jones or where those other puppies are, call The Bella Foundation at 1-866-318-7387. Tips are completely anonymous.

Video & News Link:–http://kfor.com/2013/11/29/puppy-with-ears-cut-off-expected-to-recover/

UPDATE INC: Justice Demanded For Tortured ‘Puppy Doe,’ Pit Bull Given Away On Craigslist And Brutally Abused

22/11/213 UPDATE by Kiri Blakeley  :-

Puppy Tortured to Death Finally Gets Justice She Deserves

 Radoslaw Czerkawski. He is charged with 12 counts of animal abuse, remains behind bars on $500,000 bond, and faces 55 years in prison. Czerkawski had gotten Doe for $40 on Craiglist.

Never, EVER give away an animal for free! And if you’re going to sell it or ask for a donation, thoroughly investigate who you are giving an animal to. Check vet references and visit their home. (Czerkawski lied and said he had a farm in Connecticut. Asking to visit the farm that he did not have would have immediately kept the puppy out of his hands.)Czerkawski is also accused of stealing checks from a church and misleading police.

Police are confident Czerkawski is their man — they say they found Puppy Doe’s blood on his apartment floor. Disgusting! This “man” deserves everything he gets and more.It’s about time that animal killers and abusers get hard time for their crimes. If Czerkawski gets the max, he won’t be out until he’s almost 90 — if he makes it out at all.Through it all, vets say that Puppy Doe, despite what she’d been through, was loving and friendly to all. Can you imagine? Animals are certainly better than humans in a lot of ways, and anyone who takes advantage of that doesn’t deserve freedom.

Above Snippet From News Link:–http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/164591/puppy_tortured_to_death_finally

“WTF…what sort of Evil walk amongst us? It could be a next door neighbour, these people don’t advertise their perverse activities! This may be the first, or one of many cases that this sick pathological psychopath may have carried out! Who knows how many more may have been grotesquely tortured & just not found! Sick bastards like this, soon tire of torturing the same living being. God forbid this person hasn’t played out these perverse actions on a child yet!! It may or may not be the first attack, but I doubt it will be the last!  I know many people don’t want to get involved etc. but there is such a thing as anonymity…so come on guy’s; these animals rely on the kindness & voices of others to save them!!” 

The Huffington Post  |  By Cavan Sieczkowski Posted: 09/23/2013 12:16 pm DT  |  Updated: 09/23/2013 2:01 pm EDT

Internet users have united to get justice for a dog so brutally tortured that she had to be euthanized.

Puppy Doe, a pit bull that faced horrifically brutal torture, had to be euthanized because of her injuries. Police are now searching for her abuser. | Animal Rescue League of Boston

On Aug. 31, a female pit bull was found on Carrolls Lane in Quincy, Mass., near a playground, according to Boston’s Animal Rescue League, or ARL. The dog, who was likely 1 to 2 years old, weighed half what she should have. She had suffered starvation and abuse “sadistic” in nature, including stabbings to the eye and a sliced tongue. Her injuries were so severe that she had to be euthanized.

Veterinarians working on the animal, named Puppy Doe, were sickened by her state.

“They’re a freak, a total freak,” Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, who performed the autopsy on the tortured pup, told Boston’s WBZ of the alleged abuser. “Splitting her tongue, burning her nose, stabbing her eye, it’s the totality of the types of injuries. Not only was she beaten, she was stabbed [and] she was burned. It’s all kinds of injures. It’s a sick mind that can do this to an animal.”

The Quincy Police Department and animal rescue groups are asking for help. The ARL is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of the perpetrator. Animal groups Misty’s Journey and Second Chance Rescue NYC have already raised more than $11,000 on YouCaring.com toward a reward for information provided.

A Facebook group titled “Justice for Puppy Doe” already has more than 25,000 likes and has attracted support from as far away as Brazil.

“We need anyone who knows who owned and abused this dog to contact authorities,” District Attorney Morrissey said, via the ARL. “The injuries cataloged in the post-mortem examination are grotesque and indicate consistent starvation and abuse over an extended period of time. It is highly unlikely that this level of sadistic cruelty could be shown to one animal and not be part of a pattern involving other animals or perhaps vulnerable people. We need to find the person who did this and see what else they are doing.”

Meanwhile, the dog’s alleged original owner, Laura Hankins, has come forward. Hankins told the Boston Herald she and her boyfriend bought the pit bull mix last December for $200 on Craigslist. But her landlord eventually told her the dog had to go. So, she put the dog back on Craigslist.

She gave the animal to a woman from Grafton who “seemed wonderful,” according to the Herald. The new owner sent updates, but those stopped in July.

The Puppy Doe case has reignited the fight against free pets on Craigslist, a practice that has been linked to abuse and death. A Change.org petition set up in memoriam of Puppy Doe demands Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster end the practice.

Via Change.org:

It’s beyond words that this sweet, innocent dog, that once knew love had to suffer this violent, evil fate, but at the very least, if … “giving away” of pets was banned on Craligslist there would be a small amount of justice in her name.

The petition has nearly 20,000 signatures.

As of Saturday, police were following up on six specific tips, according to the Herald. The Patriot Ledger reports that a memorial has been set up for Puppy Doe along a fence at the playground near where she was found.

Anyone with information, is asked to contact the Animal Rescue League at 617-226-5610 or Quincy Police Det. Thomas Pepdjonovich at 617-745-5774.

News Link:–http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/23/puppy-doe-tortured-craigslist_n_3975506.html

Petition Link:–https://www.change.org/petitions/justice-for-puppy-doe-tell-craigslist-to-help-stop-violence-against-pets/sponsors/new?aftersign=true

Dog In Cage Found Abandoned on Snowy Road

“SOMEBODY MUST RECOGNISE THIS DOG; OR KNOW SOMEONE WHOSE YORKIE HAS JUST VANISHED. PLEASE CONTACT THE NUMBER BELOW…the heartless Bastards need to pay for this despicable act! “

Saturday, Dec 28, 2013: Police are looking for the person who abandoned the Yorkie

A caged Yorkshire terrier was found abandoned on the side of a snowy road in an upstate New York town Friday morning.

HOW CAN ANYONE BE SO FXXXXXG CRUEL

A passerby near the intersection of White Pond and Farmers Mills roads in Kent contacted police after spotting the pooch.

Officials say the dog, an approximately 4- to 6-year-old male Yorkie, was found huddled in a small black metal crate in a snowy patch of property just off the side of the road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Putnam County SPCA at 845-520-6915.

News Link:-http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/national-international/Yorkshire-Terrier-Dog-Abandoned-Crate-Snow-Road-Freezing-Cold-NY-237676661.html

Appeals Court Vacates Ban on US Horse Slaughter

“THIS IS A DIFFICULT SUBJECT for me to discuss. I own horses & understand that due to overpopulation, lack of food or abandonment etc. it is causing welfare problems. Charities can’t protect every horse in need of a home, they will simply never have enough funds to protect them all. God…I wish they could, I hate to see horses or any animal for that matter suffer, no animal lover would want an animal to suffer unnecessarily. So to prevent this, if there is no other way possible to save them, I would prefer they were put out of their misery; in the kindest way possible & cremated.  Horses die from disease, injury or just old age & their bodies have to be dealt with whatever the circumstance.

“If owners are not permitted to dispose of the body themselves on their own land, which most aren’t; then the body (no matter how loved) has to be dealt with! I dread the day one of my horses dies or has to be put to sleep, but I don’t have land to bury them on or the required permission…it would literally break my heart, but I will have no option but to still call the knacker man (for want of a better word) to cremate the body & return the ashes to me, so I can do with them as I wish.”

“WHAT I  OPPOSE is the use of slaughterhouses TO KILL HEALTHY, ILL & ABUSED HORSES FOR FOOD & PROFIT! This planet already kills way too many animals to feed the population, some in the most barbaric, cheapest & despicable ways, with rife abuse & cruelty: which is why I don’t eat animals. Those who don’t own horses but own dogs, would find the practice of a slaughterhouse for dogs horrific & wouldn’t stand for it! Just as it is with horse owners/lovers… HORSES DO NOT BELONG ON THE MENU in this century or the next. By all means their bodies have to be dealt with…BUT NO HORSE SHOULD END UP ON A PLATE! Killing horses for their meat & profit alone is not justified; THOSE WHO WISH TO KILL HORSES FOR FOOD, ARE IN IT FOR THE MONEY, PURE GREED ALONE & IT IS THEY WHO SHOULD BE BANNED!!”

A federal appeals court on Friday removed a temporary ban on domestic horse slaughter, clearing the way for companies in New Mexico, Missouri and Iowa to open while an appeal of a lawsuit by animal protection groups proceeds.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver lifted the emergency injunction it issued in November after The Humane Society of the United States and others appealed the ruling of a federal judge in Albuquerque. The judge said the U.S. Department of Agriculture followed proper procedure in issuing permits to Valley Meat Co. in Roswell, N.M., Rains Natural Meats of Gallatin, Mo., and Responsible Transportation in Sigourney, Iowa.

The appeals court’s order Friday said the groups had “failed to meet their burden for an injunction pending appeal.”

Blair Dunn, an attorney for Valley Meat and Rains Natural Meats, said the order lifts the emergency status of the case, meaning it will likely be months before a final decision is issued.

Dunn said the plants are ready to open, although they could agree to remain shuttered if the plaintiffs agree to post a sufficient bond to cover the companies’ losses should they ultimately prevail.

“They are getting ready to go as quickly as they can. It shouldn’t take too long. Not more than two weeks,” he said.

The Humane Society, however, said “the fight for America‘s horses is not over.”

“We will press for a quick resolution of the merits of our claims in the 10th Circuit,” said Jonathan R. Lovvorn, the group’s senior vice president of animal protection litigation and investigations.

The plants would become the first horse slaughterhouses to operate in the U.S. since 2007. Congress effectively banned horse slaughter by eliminating funding for inspections at the plants in 2006. It restored that funding in 2011, but the USDA did not approve the first permits for horse slaughterhouses until this summer.

The issue has divided horse rescue and animal welfare groups, ranchers, politicians and Indian tribes about what is the most humane way to deal with the country’s horse overpopulation, and what rescue groups have said are a rising number of neglected and starving horses as the West deals with persistent drought.

Valley Meat and Responsible Transportation were set to begin horse slaughter operations in August, but U.S. District Judge Christina Armijo blocked their plans while she heard the lawsuit by The Humane Society of the United States, Front Range Equine Rescue and others. The groups claimed the plants should have been forced to undergo environmental reviews under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act.

Responsible Transportation abandoned its horse slaughter plans and converted its plant to cattle before Armijo dismissed the lawsuit in November.

Attorneys for the plants have argued that the plaintiffs are simply in court because they are morally opposed to horse slaughter and are looking for a way to delay the plants while they lobby Congress for a ban.

Proponents of a return to domestic horse slaughter point to a 2011 report from the federal Government Accountability Office that shows horse abuse and abandonment have increased since domestic horse slaughter was banned. They say it is better to slaughter the animals in humane, federally regulated facilities than have them abandoned to starve across the drought-stricken West or shipped to inhumane facilities in Mexico.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, calls the practice barbaric and has said blocking a return to domestic horse “is an issue of national importance and scale.”

News Link:–http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/appeals-court-vacates-ban-us-horse-slaughter-21216265

Colbert Co. Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty

UPDATED 6:29 pm, Fri Dec 13, 2013. COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WAAY) – Authorities have charged a woman with animal cruelty after finding 4 dead dogs outside her home and more than 120 dogs on her property earlier this week.

Debra Jane Catledge

Debra Jane Catledge, 53, is charged with 15 counts of second-degree dog cruelty. Catledge was released from the Colbert County Jail on a $750 cash bond. She could face a year in jail on each misdemeanor count or a fine.

Earlier this week, animal control officers rescued a total of 122 Yorkies and Pomeranians from Catledge’s home on Highway 72 in Barton. Authorities said the dogs were in wire cages out in the freezing weather. They also found 2 dead dogs.

On Thursday, the Colbert County Sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at Catledge’s home and found 2 more dead dogs, 6 live dogs, and illegal moonshine in a barn.

Sheriff Ronnie May said Catledge told investigators she took numerous other dogs out of state but will not say where.

“We’re in the process of locating her residence out of state and another family residence out of state to see if the additional dogs that she had are at those locations” said May,

May said more charges are expected in the next week for the moonshine found on the property.

News Link:–http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/colbert-co-woman-charged-with-animal-cruelty/article_a8c77836-6415-11e3-b92c-001a4bcf6878.html

Staff and volunteers at the Colbert County Animal Shelter are grooming and performing medical examinations on 122 Yorkies and Pomeranians rescued from a home on Tuesday.

by Rachel Keith

Investigators rescue 122 dogs from alleged Colbert County puppy mill

COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WAAY) – On Tuesday, Colbert County Animal Control officers and the sheriff‘s department seized 122 Yorkies and Pomeranians found outside a home on Hwy 72 in the Barton community.

Colbert County Animal Control Director Judie Nichols said her office received a tip from a concerned citizen that the small dogs were being kept outside in the cold.

Animal control officers responded to the complaint around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and found two dead dogs frozen to their wire cages. Investigators spent several hours at the home taking pictures of all the animals that also included 2 exotic birds.

The dogs were housed in wire cages 3 to 4 feet off the ground. Nichols said the dogs were in good condition as a whole but the biggest concern was their exposure to the freezing temperatures.

“They were wet some of them and they had ice on their fur” said Nichols. “They were just very cold, huddled up, just cold.”

The shelter is now over capacity with more than 200 animals after taking in the dogs and more are expected since over 25 are pregnant.

“The owner was overwhelmed” said Nichols. “I think she went way overboard. She had way more than she could care for. It’s obvious she was breeding them.”

Staff and volunteers are busy grooming and performing medical evaluations on all the dogs which could take a few days. Nichols said they are also scanning each dog for a microchip to make sure none were stolen.

The shelter is not accepting any animals from the public until they can start adopting out the animals but are still responding to animal control calls.

“If they find a stray, we would like to ask for their patience and their understanding” said Nichols.

Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May said the district attorney is waiting for all the dogs to be evaluated before deciding if animal cruelty charges will be filled against the owner. No charges have been filled at this time.

It could be several days before the dogs are available for adoption. The birds were signed over by the owner and have been adopted.

Investigators said other animals including horses were found on the property but appeared to be well cared for.

News Link:–http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/investigators-rescue-dogs-from-alleged-colbert-county-puppy-mill/article_994b7778-6298-11e3-8542-001a4bcf6878.html

Neglected, Chained Dog Dies In The Bitter Cold

“Just heartbreaking, all that was needed was a bit of compassion, love & warmth. Another dog that was used as just a garden ornament…WTF…if you have a dog that’s tied up outside all the time, not allowed into the home…why do you have a dog at all??  Instead of a living creature, just get a proper alarm system, one that won’t feel pain & die a slow death because it’s not taken care of.! This just makes me furious! I hope the owners are taken to court & charged with animal cruelty etc. because they have to pay; nobody should be allowed to get away with murder! 

“Apparently charges have been brought against the owner of the dead boxer. Read the latest news from RRR at the end of this post Or visist their Facebook page:-https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue“

Perry County’s animal rescue team, Rough Road Rescue, is on a mission to prosecute two Brewer pet owners who neglected their dogs — one to the point of death.

After Linda and Steve Svehla, of RRR, were called to a home Sunday concerning a dead boxer lying in the snow (and a second dog that was severely malnourished), the couple is now seeking justice for the animals.

The boxer’s living space

The dog owners, and residents of the Brewer home, are in the process of moving out, but apparently had intentions of leaving their pets behind, Steve Svehla said.

In the days leading up to RRR’s visit on Sunday, a concerned neighbour noticed consistent neglect of the dogs, including lack of food, water and proper shelter. She made every attempt to notify the owners of her concern, but Svehla said the owners were uncooperative.

“The neighbour contacted the people several times with concerns about the dogs,” Svehla said. “After so many times, she got really concerned, so she planned to take food and water over. When she got there, the boxer didn’t respond. It was barely breathing.”

The neighbour took the boxer home in hopes of reviving it, but it was too late. Unsure of what to do with its body, especially with no direction from the owner, the neighbor placed the boxer inside a makeshift doghouse located on the owner’s property.

As reports of snow came in, the neighbor couldn’t stand to see the dog’s body freeze, so she covered it, Svehla said. Meanwhile, the second dog, a lab, was nearby, also without proper care. The rescue couple would later learn the dogs belonged to two different owners who are both believed to be residents of the Brewer home.

“They belonged to people in the process of moving out,” said Linda Svehla. “The two dogs that were there belonged to two different people, but they still left them there. The owners were coming and going, moving stuff out, and there were no tracks [in the snow] going back to the dogs.”

Fed up with lack of concern, the neighbor contacted the Perry County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday. Upon arrival, deputies contacted RRR.

“We took possession of the lab,” Steve Svehla said. “We wrapped the boxer in a blanket and took it [to a local vet]. The only protection that dog had was a wooden box.”

Svehla said he believes the dog owners are aware of current circumstances, but have still made no attempts to learn of their dogs’ whereabouts or well-being. As far as he knows, Svehla said the owners know of the boxer’s death.

Currently, the Svehlas are sheltering the lab, and said she’s doing well. An autopsy has been performed on the boxer to check for another, undisclosed form of animal abuse, and the couple is awaiting results.

“We’re looking to prosecute,” Steve Svehla said. “I’ve given the sheriff’s department all our information on this. If [the county] chooses not to prosecute this, we’ll take it further ourselves.”

The couple posted a photo of the dead boxer on their Facebook page with an explanation of its circumstances.

Several thousand Facebook users have shared the photo, or commented on it with disdain and concern.

“We’re getting responses everywhere,” Svehla said. “People need to be aware. This is just not acceptable.”

To stay updated with the Svehlas and their endeavor to bring the dogs to justice, follow their page on Facebook under “Rough Road Rescue, Inc.”

News Link:-http://www.perryvillenews.com/archive/article_e30448aa-6341-11e3-870a-001a4bcf6878.html

Help did not come in time!

Thousands of people are mourning the senseless death of a beautiful dog they did not know…a neglected, tethered dog who was left outside in frigid conditions, without adequate shelter…a dog who perished as a result.

Rough Road Rescue, Inc., which is located in Perry County, Mo., shared the bitter news of the neglected boxer‘s passing via Facebook on Sunday:

Both of these dogs was tied out. no food no water and barely any protection. Well I have both the animals. It kills me to say, I was called a little late. This beautiful animal (boxer) couldn’t stand the bitter cold with no food or water to sustain his body.

He laid down and died. By himself with no one to comfort him. Except for the other dog. A chocolate lab, which was unable to get close to the boxer and watched as her friend froze to death. She is safe and will be cared for here at the rescue.

The rescue added:

I will bury her friend out here. And give him the respect he deserved.

Extreme winter weather is blanketing much of the nation – unfortunately, many dogs are not provided with the comfort and safety of a warm home to shield them from the elements, and they are left to their own devices outdoors.

If you see a dog who has been left outdoors, without adequate protection from the elements, please reach out for help. If the dog’s owner is unwilling to remedy the issue, contact local animal control officials as soon as possible.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/neglected-chained-dog-dies-the-bitter-cold

About Rough Road Rescue Inc.:-

Rough Road Rescue, Inc. is a state licensed animal rescue located just outside of Perryville, Mo. It’s a small organization, started in early 2013, and operated by its founders, Steve and Linda Svehla. The rescue is located on the couple’s property just yards from their backdoor and located seven miles from Perryville. It is the only licensed animal rescue in Perry County, Mo.

The name Rough Road Rescue is not only depictive of the events that lead animals to the rescue, but equally as consistent with the beginning of the organization itself. It has indeed been a rough road for all, but according to Steve and Linda Svehla, one well worth traveling.

It started with a dog wandering into the Svehla’s yard. A hound that had somehow gotten through the fence surrounding their yard, and found its way onto an old tarp for refuge from the frozen ground. Upon investigation, the Svehla’s discovered the hound was starving and its feet were frostbitten. They decided to take the hound in, give him a real home, and named him Sam.

After taking on Sam, the Svehla’s agreed to do what they could to help other stray pets. That was the beginning of Rough Road Rescue, Inc.

Shortly after opening, the rescue obtained its license through the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is a registered charity with the Missouri Attorney General, and is currently going through the process to become a 501(3)c non-profit organization. A non-profit status will enable donors to deduct their contributions to the rescue on their taxes as well as open doors for the rescue to seek grants to help fund their operation.

Since the creation of Rough Road Rescue, Inc., the project has grown to nine outdoor kennels, an isolation kennel, and a substantial exercise yard. Having no paid employees or regular volunteers, the Svehla’s provide care for the animals on their own. The rescue is a non euthanizing operation and pets taken in by RRR remain there until they are adopted or sent on to other rescues.

Early on the Svehla’s approached the city and county governments as well as another local animal welfare organization, to offer their assistance with local strays. RRR was met with skepticism and opposition that made its way into the local news on more than one occasion.

While Rough Road Rescue has formed a line of communication with local government entities, cooperation is far from desirable and the rescue works consistently to improve relations with local offices and law enforcement. It is the intent of RRR to be persistent until a good relationship can be established and therefore save lives and provide care for the needy strays in the area.

Being a small, no-kill operation, the rescue has it’s limitations but takes in each new ward as available space allows. Despite those limitations, RRR is not “selective” of the animals they take in. Dogs and cats alike have been housed at the rescue, and the dogs that have been there have come in all sizes and breeds.

To date, Rough Road Rescue has rescued and rehomed more than 30 animals and have crossposted countless numbers of lost pets, helping them find their way back home.

Several of the pets taken in by the rescue have required extensive medical treatment provided by local veterinarian, Dr. Freeman at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, LLC, in Perryville, Mo. Most recently RRR took in a dog with severe injuries as a direct result of extreme abuse. The dog had to have its leg amputated but is expected to make a full recovery.

If you would like to contribute to veterinarian expenses incurred by the animals of Rough Rough Rescue, Inc., you may make direct contributions to All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, LLC, 202 E. Ste. Maries, Perryville, Missouri 63775.

For more information about Rough Road Rescue, Inc. you can contact them by calling (573) 547-8070. Donations can be mailed to Rough Road Rescue, Inc. (R.R.R. Inc.) 9126 S. Hwy. 51 Perryville, MO 63775. Donation may also be made online through the Facebook page of Rough Road Rescue.

FaceBook Page:–https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue

RRR. Latest News Regards The Above:-

We have been requested from the sheriffs dept. That we post to ask everyone to stop calling the department asking what’s going on. And since the department is releasing this info. Then I will let everyone know what’s going on. There were two dogs at this residence. Two owners. I was called by the sheriffs office on sunday at 9:44am that a animal had been abandoned. I met the deputy at this home.

It was requested that I take the lab into my possession, then informed there possibly was another dog across the yard dead, again the deputy requested that I take it also. Making a long explanation shorter. The owner of the boxer was charged last night. I was also informed by the deputy that I had to return the lab to the other owner. Even though neither animal had food water or appropriate shelter.

The only difference was one animal survived. the owner showed up this morning, with the charged owner and took possession of the lab. With the understanding we had concerns about the well being of this lab. That’s it in a nut shell…..it’s a sad day for us at the rescue. This will continue to happen if we don’t get the laws changed. My opinion only.

Love & Repect Steve

https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue