County Animal Control corrects social media attacks on local pet owner

[gpatt0n]

Thorn Thicket Dr. Rockmart, GA 30153

On June 20, 2017 at approximately 1151 hours, our office answered a call from a citizen
stating that she was concerned about two dogs located in the area of Thorn Thicket Drive.
She stated the two dogs were tethered inside a fenced enclosure and they did not have
water or shelter. She also stated that there were multiply vultures in the area as well.

 

At approximately 1203 hours, an Animal Control Officer arrived in the area of and attempted
to make contact with the home owner but no one was at the residence. The Officer did see
the two dogs and they both appeared to be active and healthy. The dogs did have water and
both had an igloo type doghouse which is appropriate shelter.

 

The dogs were tethered but did have room to move outside of the dog house and reach their water. A notice was left for the owner to contact us about the dogs being tethered. The owner did contact our office that afternoon and the Officer spoke to him about the following ordinance:

Sec. 14-12. Confinement of animals. Animals who are tied on a chain, lead, runner, cable,
rope, leash or other similar tethering device as a temporary measure of restraint within a
building or fenced enclosure shall not be tethered more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period.)

 

He was not aware of the ordinance and stated he would fix the issue. After speaking to the
owner of the dogs and other people from that area, we learned that the vultures have been
in the area for a long time. The owner stated that the dogs allow the vultures to eat and
drink with them. Another visit was made to the residence during the night of June 20, 2017
and the dogs were contained inside the garage and no longer in violation for Sec 14-12.

 

The dog owner did state that he was looking at other options to contain the dogs while they
are outside. The dogs are tethered because they dig under the fence and he keeps them
separate to avoid reproduction.

 

We would also like to address the statement that our office has been contacted in the past
about this residence and this situation has been occurring for two years. Since 2013, our
office has only received 4 complaints at this residence and they have all been from the
homeowner himself calling about stray animals.

 

Once we received the call concerning the welfare of these dogs, we immediately responded. Our office is satisfied with the findings of this case and the case has been closed. The report will be available through the GA Open Records Act, but we will also post a copy on our FB page once it has been completed.

While we do appreciate being notified to check on the welfare of all pets, we ask that you please obtain all the correct information before posting incorrect social media or spreading incorrect information about a responsible pet owner.

 

 

[mojo413]

Pubby, I screen printed and posted this letter on Facebook as a response to posted complaints. I hope this is OK. If not, let me know & I will delete.

[gpatt0n]

That's fine. It would be nice if you would add a link to here, though.

 

pubby

[mojo413]

That's fine. It would be nice if you would add a link to here, though.

 

pubby

Done.