Johnston County Animal Control just put my neighbors dog down...by accident. They were supposed to quarrentine the dog for ten days not kill it.! This dog had a really bad day yesterday and was taken away by animal control with the OK of his owners for a ten day quarrentine. Johnston county was to hold the german shepard for this period, as is customary, after he bit a neighbor and attacked her puppy without provication. The puppy was leashed and in its own front yard to get to the car, to go on a road trip to gramdma's house, when the german shepard jumped it's four foot fence and charged the husband and the 13 week old puppy. The melee that ensued was crazy. The puppy's female owner came running out as she heard her husband yell at the shepard and the shepards owner came running to try to stop her dog. Everyone tried to stop the shepard but he was single of purpose. The puppy's mom got her dog away after getting hooked in the lip and face slightly. She threw the puppy in her car because it was close. The shepard was pinned on the ground by his mom and the puppy's dad. Once the puppy was out of site, the shepard was calm and relaxed. His mom just walked him back to the house. The puppy was rushed to the vet and luckily sustained only minor puncture wounds. The puppy's mom just needed to get a tetnus shot. The whole thing surprised everyone because this is a family pet. A dog that is not kept in a cage out back, but in the house and well cared for. The owners called animal control themselves to make sure everything was fine. The german shepards owner covered all bills without question. Animal control said they could quarrantine the dog at the house if they wanted but the owners felt that they could not ensure the dog would stay put until the put up a higher fence. So, they allowed them to take the dog and hold him for ten days. By then they would have had a better, higher, fence and gotten in touch with an animal behaviorist to figure out what happened. If the dog was a danger, then they would put him down...but that would be a family decision. They never got the chance. Johnston county put the dog down after one day and never even called. The owner found out when he callled to inquire about visiting his dog and what steps he could take to get the dog back. He was told ooops, we put him down today. Sorry. :evil: This never should have happened. The dog never stood a chance. It went against what they were told by an officer of the Johnston County Animal Control. This proves to me that idiots are running this pound. No dog should go there. If I were them I would sue Animal Control. Here's the number to animal control, 919-934-8474. Call them and tell them that Nikko the german shepard derserved a chance that they took away. Nikko was not without fault and we all know that, but he deserved a chance to be trained. He was well loved by his family and was never aggressive towards them. The owners were doing everything they could to comply to the requests of Animal Control. The puppy's owners were never afraid of this dog before. They were greeted by him when they came home. No one took this as a bad dog. He needed a higher fence and training. Johnston County Animal Contol broke their promise to hold this animal for ten days. oops is all they said. Tell that to my crying neighbors as they grieve for their dog. I am shocked that such a mistake could be made. I did not want this to happen. I am the mom to the puppy that was attacked. I would have been happy with a higher fence and a no-jump harness. My puppy is fine, but their dog is dead. Dead because some putz at the pound couldn't figure out he/she had the wrong dog. Any lawyers out there?
Okay, this can and will be resolved. There was an EXACT case of this happening in another part of North Carolina. Give me an hour to try to dig up the exact circumstances. The Shelter Directore WAS FIRED! They also Sued the crap out the shelter and the county. IT"S A LAW that they have to hold the dog for a certain time. And the fact that they GASSED an innocent dog??? Beyond! Call the news, media, everyone. This made national attention. I believe they also fired the county mgr. (not sure about that) I will post with the info as soon as I can retrieve it. I don't know how to express my sympathy for you and your neighbor. You are a good neighbor. Lori
Queens Chronicle, Thursday, May 9, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Family Outraged After CACC Finds, Then Kills, Beloved Pet by Robert Brodsky Assistant Editor A Maspeth family is furious with the Center for Animal Care and Control who found, then accidentally euthanized their beloved family pet, Cookie. Monica Ceballos said her mothers pit bull-mix was a member of her family for over nine years and didn't deserve to die. "It's really a nightmare," she said. Cookie was an incredible dog. And, I want to know what happened." Cookie escaped from the family's 52nd Avenue home on Saturday, April 20th, while they were away on vacation. Cookie had made a habit of running away in the past, prompting the family to install a tiny microchip in the dog, so that she could always be reunited, if lost, with her owners. The following Monday, April 22nd, the Ceballos received a phone call from the CACC -- which maintains a drop-off and transfer site at 92-29 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park -- notifying them that Cookie had been found safe and was ready to be picked up Two days later the Ceballos travelled to the CACC's Brooklyn shelter, where Cookle was being housed, expecting a happy family reunion. However, when they arrived, they learned that a tragic mistake had been made and that Cookie had been put to sleep. According to Doris Meyer, spokesperson for the CACC, the accident was due to human error She said the agency has three fail-safe mechanisms in place for when a lost dog is found. CACC employees are instructed to check for the animal's kennel card, look for any identification or a microchip and to pull up the animal's file on its computer system. However, Meyer said the person responsible for following these procedures failed to perform his duties. A 20-year employee of the city-funded agency, he has since been terminated. "We deeply regret this incident," Meyer said. "We have a system in place, but if people don't do what is needed to be done..." However an apology and a terminated employee does little to relieve the anger of the Ceballos family, which has spent the past two weeks in mourning. "I'm in pain," Ceballos said. "I have headaches. And, I am angry." The family, which is still considering filing a lawsuit, asked the CACC to pay for the cost of burying Cookie -- a request the agency has agreed to. They also offered the family a new dog -- an idea which they flatly rejected. Ceballos said the most difficult part of this experience has been explaining to the family's young nieces and nephews why they can no longer play with Cookie. "They just don't understand." The family is harshly critical of the number of animals that enter the CACC, which has developed a reputation every year for rushing to euthanize animals because it to house them all. "They run the center like a business," They need a cage, so they kill for space." She believes that Cookie should have been kept in a separate area away from all other animals whose owners have yet to be located. Meyer disputes that logic and and maintains that their system works when applied correctly. "We are so careful," Meyer said, noting that cases such as Cookie's are "very infrequent. The system worked the last time that the dog was here and I'm very sorry that it didn't work this time." However, some local animal activists question the CACC's sincerity. Regina Massaro, a dog rescuer who founded Roxy's Sanctuary in Maspeth, is a frequent critic of the CACC and its methods of animal treatment, saying that the shelter's only purpose is to euthanize animals. "People don't realize just how dangerous it is when an animal goes to the CACC," Massaro sald. "They have serious issues that need to be addressed." City regulations state that any animal found loose, which is turned over to the CACC must be kept for 10 days [SRAC note: NYC is exempted from this State law and is allowed just 2 days] to give its owner sufficient time to contact the shelter. However, animals surrendered by their owner can be euthanized immediately, regardless of their health or age. According to recent statistics, 50,000 animals enter the city's shelter system each year. Approximately 80 percent are eventually euthanized. CACC officials have long argued that their hands are tied because of an overwhelming number of animals that enter the system every year and the lack of space or funding to house them all. City legislators passed a law over two years ago ordering that the CACC build a full-service shelter in every borough. However, little movement has been made by city officials to enforce the mandate. In fact, the Queens transfer point only reopened its doors last month. They had been closed for over six months due to budgetary constraints. And, if the mayor's new $500 million contingency budget cut plan goes into effect, the Queens site, which is now open only two days a week, could be back on the chopping block. Massaro said that this most recent incident should serve as a wake-up call to Mayor Michacl Bloomberg, who should appoint a watchdog agency to look over the CACC's activities. "Someone needs to see what's going on over there. They need a complete overhaul bccause something like this never should have happened." However, no amount of reform will ever repair the hurt in a family torn apart by a tragic mistake. "It's not fair," Ceballos said. "I really loved that dog. Since she couldn't speak for herself, I need to be the voice for Cookie." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | SRAC HOME PAGE | i have to find the updated page which mentions the settlement. I believe it was more than a million
Okay Ladies, where are your big mouths now??? Sandy, Jennifer Stanton, The whole wack pack of the JCAPL,Ulli, Vicki, the egomaniac Melissa Kipp.....Now it's time for you to say something important!!! Now that something is IMPORTANT Get Involved!! Someone shoud be fired, some county should be sued!! Peppercorn, would you put your contact info down, I really need to get in touch with you.
Where are all the nut jobs on this board? Why so quiet? This is a major development, and none of you wacko doos are saying a thing. Where are all the protectors of animals I want your opinions. You all comment .... name call and voice your opinions now you are mute this is BIG IMPORTANT STUFF and you all seem dumbfounded. Cat got your tongues. Where is the JOHNSON COUNTY PROTECTION LEAGUE Any thing of real interest seems to scare you away.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Afraid of making waves.-------------afraid of stepping on toes
Um excuse me, where does the JCAPL stand in this? Doesn't it stand for JOHNSTON COUNTY ANIMAL PROTECTION LEAGUE? Good job protecting Peppercorn's neighbor dog. Maybe if you spent a little less time with your "dog look alike contests", and more time "[/img]" animals, this wouldn't of happened. Jennifer :roll:
Honestly, I am lost for words!! That is so tragic and outragous!! I don't think contacting the shelter will get the owners anywhere. I would think a lawyer would be the one to help with this. If they think at some point they want another German Sheppard, they may want to contact, Jane Wall at Walltop Kennels, She raises and trains German Sheppards. I am sure she could help. If this tragedy hadn't occured I would have recommended her for some training. I am so sorry!! I don't know even where to begin to help other than a lawyer.
I have personally e-mail the JCLAP and I have not heard anything yet. I do not think they would be sitting on their laurels over this. I have also notified WRAL, News 14, The Smithfield Herald, The Cleveland Post, and the News and Observer. I am hoping someone hears this. I am hoping that someone will help us do something. Peppercorn contact: 934-6185
Nikko the German Shepard The famiily of the German Shepard, Niko, will be going down to the Johnston County Animal Shelter, SPCA, between 8 and 8:30 AM, on Wednesday 10-6-04. If these folks are that confused, they are hoping that perhaps Niko is there and if he is not, so that he can be laid to rest at home. The blantent ingnorance that has been displayed needs to be addressed by the shelter and the Animal Control officers , as well as the county that runs this "organization." How error of this magnitude can occur defies description. Thank you for all your support. Let's tell Johnston County what we think of their ability to run a "shelter." Peppercorn - 919-934-6185 Niko Family 919-938-2255
Peppercorn, When you wrote animal control and SPCA, did you mean both places? Or are you just calling the Animal Control the SPCA? Is there a chance the dog is alive? Please contact that county commissioners on this. Rick.Hester@JohnstonNC.COM Allen.Mims@JohnstonNC.COM I will pray for you and the family of the dog. Steph
Peppercorn, Is there anyway that you could try to get the press there at 8AM? That would be very interesting to see how they would worm there way out of this! What is the latest anyone can call you? I will email other news and papers and PLEAD with them to go there tomorrow morning. How is Niko's family holding up? I am sooooo sorry. You really have to get them to sue the county and pound in NIKO's name, so THIS will never happen again. Stephanie
Niko First, Allow me to thank all who have responded, especially my neighbors who have so supported and gracious over a terrible incident that occurred yesterday afternoon. That being said, I am the owner of Niko. I would have never willingly allowed Johnston county to pull out of my driveway with Niko if for an instant i thought this could happen. I was attempting to contain Niko while I figured out what i was going to do to make certain that he never had the opportunity to get loose again. But as you all know, myself nor my family were never given that chance. Regardless of what decision was made be it Niko turned over to the German Shephard rescue league and a new home found for him, or finding a solution to contain him and keep him as part of our family. That decision was ours, not the Johnston County SPCA. I will be creating a website this evening (if i can figure out how to do it) with a picture of Niko as a way to say goodbye (which was also taken away from me and my family). i will be back to post the link for anyone interested in seeing a picture of Niko. Any suggestions or support that anyone may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all, Niko's Dad
Peppercorn, I haven't forgotten about you. I have actually been sending out a mass letter to every reporter I could find. Im still looking for that story about the same situation. Im pretty sure that after it was all said and done, the Shelter Director and Cty Mgr were fired. They also sued the county and shelter and won. I know that it is not a consellation to hear that, but sometimes you have to sue to make a point. Does your neighbor know that they put their dog in the Death Chamber? I know that makes it even worse to hear, but unfortunately that is the truth. My question is, where are all you Gas Chamber activists now???? An innocent dog was killed in a HORRIFIC GAS CHAMBER, and nobody is going to say anything? Peppercorn, make sure you let the press and lawyers know that they TORTURED the dog in the CO-Chamber. Did you leave a message for Jeff Carver of the County Comms? I believe he is the person responsible for Smithfield Where are you activisits, come out come out wherever you are!!!! What about PETA people? Any PETA people here?????
Nikos Dad! Im literally bawling my eyes out! Im at a loss for words!! I just want to clarify, this happened at the Smithfield, Johnston County Animal Control? Because they are not the SPCA! If I could give your family a hug through the compuer I would. Is there a chance that NIKO might still be alive? Could it just be a major mistake??? Lets pray that it might be just a big mistake. I can't say I know how you feel, because if any of my "babies" were done like Niko, I probably would have a nervous breakdown. Please keep us posted, your family and Peppercorn will be in my families prayers. Steven and Marcy Underwood
Will it be alright to call you? How late is too late? What about tomorrow? I just emailed this to my whole address book of 250 people. We will have a prayer chain, that this is a MISTAKE! God Bless You!
http://www.greenpeople.org/webpage.cfm?linkpage=http://www.JusticeForAnimals.org&memid=238 Please contact JUSTICE FOR ANIMALS, we are based in Raleigh. We will help you out with anything, from lawyers to compensation, to grief counseling. To getting the people in charge dismissed. Please call first thing in the morning. Nancy
TO NIKOS FAMILY. IM APPALLED AT WHAT HAPPENED, BUT NOT SURPRISED. I FEEL SO SAD RIGHT NOW. YOU ARE IN MANY PEOPLE'S THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. TAKE CARE AND PLEASE UPDATE WITH YOUR WEB PAGE
Photo This is a link to a webpage I spoke of. Hope everyone likes the pic. http://home.mindspring.com/~leedavis/