Help needed for dog in the box

Requesting Animal Abuse Charges

County Manager Doug Eaves

To Whom it May Concern,

I hereby request a charge of animal cruelty be brought against Delois Hayward, pursuant to Georgia Statutes.

The dog in question is a female “Pit” Bulldog, approximately 6 years old and chocolate brown in color with a white chest and white streak under her neck.

I hereby request a charges be filed against Ms. Hayward for violation of Georgia rabies vaccination law.

Georgia statute requires the administration of rabies vaccine by a licensed veterinarian to dogs,cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age. (Authority Ga. L. Sec. 43-50-3 (A) (G)) Primary vaccination is usually done at 3 months of age and then annually or triennially depending on the species, type of vaccine, and county statutes. (Authority Ga. L. Sec. 31-19-1). Regardless of the age of the animal at primary vaccination, a booster vaccination should be administered 1 year later.

On February 1, 2011, Ms. Hayward admitted to Scott Bennett of Southern Comfort Animal Rescue, Inc. in front of Toombs County Sheriff's Sgt. Walter Thompson that the above mentioned dog did not have a rabies vaccination.

Additionally, I request charges of animal cruelty and neglect be brought against Ms. Hayward for Cruelty to Animals

According to O.C.G.A. §16-12-4, A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals when he/she causes death or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering to any animal by an act, an omission, or willful neglect.

Willful neglect means the intentional withholding of food and water required by an animal to prevent starvation or dehydration. O.C.G.A. §16-12-4

Adequate food and water means food and water that is sufficient in an amount and appropriate for the particular type of animal to prevent starvation, dehydration, or a significant risk to the animal's health from a lack of food or water. O.C.G.A. §§4-11-2, 4-13-2

Humane care of animals means, but is not limited to, the provision of adequate heat, ventilation, sanitary shelter, and wholesome and adequate food and water, consistent with the normal requirements and feeding habits of the animal's size, species, and breed. O.C.G.A. §§4-11-2, 4-13-2

Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (felony charge): A person commits the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals when he or she knowingly and maliciously causes death or physical harm to an animal by rendering a part of such animal's body useless or by seriously disfiguring such animal…[paraphrased] except for conduct otherwise permitted under state or federal law. O.C.G.A. §16-12-4

Further it is impossible to determine an animal's health by merely referencing a photograph or simply looking at the animal's exterior. Therefore, I also request that the above referenced dog be thoroughly tested for coccidia, parasites, and heartworms. A severe case of heartworms can “seriously disfigure” internal organs such as the heart and lungs and could cause parts of the dog's body to be “rendered useless” if left untreated.

The fact that Ms. Hayward has since relocated the dog to a new penned area and obtained minimal veterinary care should not dismiss the fact that she did commit the offense of animal cruelty for as many as six years. Also, it should be noted that the new penned area does not include any type of bedding or such to provide warmth during cold nights, inadequate shading from the elements and she has not supplied this dog with a proper water container. It should also be noted that placing the dog's food directly on the ground in an uncleaned kennel is unsanitary and not an acceptable or proper way to feed a dog as defined in the above noted Georgia statute, as this can lead to bacteria and internal parasitic infestation and infection.

I also request that the above mentioned dog be impounded according to Georgia law and be placed in protective custody with Southern Comfort Animal Rescue, a state licensed rescue, non-profit corporation, or a similar rescue organization, until said court proceedings are disposed. Should Ms. Hayward be found guilty of the charges, I request that the above mentioned dog not be returned to her, but that Southern Comfort Animal Rescue, Inc. be granted full and unconditional custody of the dog.

I also request that if Ms. Hayward is found guilty that she should be prohibited from owning (directly or indirectly) additional animals for as long as her sentence is in effect.

I further request that the above mentioned dog be thoroughly examined by a licensed veterinarian; and should the dog require additional veterinary treatment for any internal disorders, I also request that Ms. Hayward be ordered to pay for said treatments either up front or by restitution if found guilty of any of the Georgia animal cruelty/neglect statutes.

Respectfully signed,

[Your name]