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Easter 2018 -  Mercer Harris Photography claims to have been using live animals in child photo shoots for 10 years.  Photos were posted on Facebook by Mercer Harris of small children cruelly mishandling, dropping, choking and throwing animals for photo shoots.  

Carrying a rabbit by the ears is particularly cruel, causing needless pain as well as damage to the cartilage that supports the ears. Suspension of the body or a violent struggle can lead to vertebral luxation or fracture of the spine or neck. Carrying by the ears can, furthermore, trigger reflex hypertension, which can be fatal in rabbits.  Prey animals associate being lifted from the ground as a predator attack; resulting in biting or kicking a child or person, then the animal is dropped.

According to Harris, his local Ag dept. and Sheriff’s office have determined the studio has done nothing wrong and his response in the media was to remove the online photos while condoning his behavior of teaching small children who have no understanding how animals as delicate as rabbits or baby chicks should be handled. 

We the petitioners respectfully request Mayor Barnett uphold GA Animal Cruelty Laws, stop Mercer Harris from harming more animals for photo shoots and be held accountable for deliberately and intentionally causing suffering, and pain to the animals used in his photo sessions for profit.

Ga. Code Ann., § 16-12-4. Cruelty to animals
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(b) A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals when he or she:
(1) Causes physical pain, suffering, or death to an animal by any unjustifiable act or omission;

This petition does not support or condone inappropriate comments or threats. 
What can you do?  Sign this petition, respectfully call or email the Mayor’s office and the Sheriff’s office with concerns and complaints.

Mayor Ames Barnett
mayorbarnett@washingtonwilkes.org
Phone: (706) 678-3277

Wilkes County GA, Sheriff's Office
225 Andrew Drive
Washington, GA 30673
Phone: (706) 678-2224