Every county needs animal control. Burke County, Georgia does not have any form of it. Therefore, there has been an animal population explosion. Some citizens have taken it upon themselves to help alleviate the situation by taking in strays. Now it is to the point where it is dangerous for humans also. This has been brought to the attention of the commissioners numerous times. It is only a matter of time before someone is killed by the packs of wild dogs roaming free in the county.
Here is a story in The True Citizen from December 19, 2007
Child attacked by bulldog
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor
Deputies are looking for the owner of a bulldog that attacked a five-year-old last Thursday. According to a report filed at the Burke County Sheriff's Office, the child was walking with her mother in the Long Road area of Girard when they saw a large brown bulldog come out of a nearby field. The mother told officers that her daughter screamed and tried to run, but the dog knocked her to the ground and jumped on her back. The bulldog then tried to drag the child into the field, but the mother was able to separate them by repeatedly kicking the dog in the head. The child was treated for minor injuries at Burke Medical Center. Family members say they'd never seen the dog before and have no idea whether it was vaccinated. Anyone with information about the dog should contact deputies at 706-554-2133.
Lucy
She was another rescue from Burke County, Georgia. She was thrown out at a dumpster like regular garbage. It is hard to conceive or believe how many defenseless puppies and kittens are abandoned. An estimated 14 million are euthanized each year in the U.S. at animal shelters due to the overpopulation crisis.
Most counties euthanize approximately 10,000 annually and still have a problem with strays. If the county doesn't have a shelter or a discount spay/neuter clinic, of course the problem continues to get worse and worse.
Although rescue groups are extremely beneficial, ultimately the county government needs to step up and help. The only way that can happen, is with community contact with officials. If your county doesn't have animal control, please go to the 'Burke County Letter' page, print it out and mail it to your decision makers. (You can modify it if you don't live in Burke County).
ANIMALS DON'T VOTE - Due to this, a lot of times, their welfare is not an issue. It is important that voters (we humans) take initiative to help have the laws upheld in their regard. Let the politicians in your area know that they are a priority.
When abuse or neglect happens, their only hope is that someone with compassion will take action.
If you know of any animal that has been abused or neglected, please go through the proper legal channels first, (see below). If you don't get the proper results, please contact our organization.
You may remain anonymous
To contact the proper authorities, first you must find out if the animal is located in the city or county. The phone book provides information on contacting Animal Control for that area. If there is no animal control department in your city/county, then the police should be notified. There is a law called "Duty to Patrol" which means that police officers must uphold the law if there aren't specified officers for a particular department.
Take pictures of the animal(s). It is strongly advised to do this on public property such as a road. If the neighbors are home, see if they don't mind if you take pictures from their yard. Sometimes pictures are not admissible in court if they are taken while trespassing. Be sure to put the date and time on the pictures.
If you have questions regarding this initial stage, please contact our office at 803-221-5421.
Hogan
Another "throw-away" dog
This is Rosey. She was on the other side of the trailer where we found Junior. She hadn't been there as long as Junior had. The owner said he had "just found her". She was on a chain.
