RIP Little Oliver Twist.....poor lost soul had found his way to Polk Co AC and like a little begger with no where to turn, he depended on a system that allowed him to die slowly and painfully because doing nothing was easier than doing the right thing.

For you see, little Olliver Twist.....was found Saturday afternoon by volunteers, lethargic, gums pale and bleeding out his rectum. A medical pull was requested.....but once again life was cruel to Oliver Twist ...and the request was denied. (DOA allows for such pulls.)

The director was not working and it was said that decision would have to be made when he came in Monday morning. Sadly, for Oliver Twist Monday would never come. 

The medical care he needed would be denied the little rag tag boy who had no one to fight for him. but I am asking, will you fight for Oliver? Will you stand up to a system that allows this to happen? That allows a tiny soul to suffer and die alone? We do not know the cause of death but the officer in charge did say at least three times, he thought it was parvo. And yet, no precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the other animals there.

I am asking the citizens of Polk County, will you fight for Oliver? You tax-payer money goes to support this system and your voting power can make the difference. Oliver Twist....we cannot bring you back, but we can fight to make certain the refusal of medical care or humane euthanasia is not denied the next suffering little soul.

Facts: On 12-12-15, Oliver Twist was found by a volunteer, gums pale and bleeding out his rectum. A medical pull to get him to an emergency vet was requested to the AC officer in charge who denied such a request and stated that when the director (Jeff Crawford) would be in Monday, he would make the decision. Oliver Twist did not make it to Monday. His cause of death will be determined by the vet, but has not been announced. 

Actions Sought:

1. A clear written plan that stipulates in the standard operating procedures guide  how to handle a medical crisis during the weekend when the director is off. If the director is unreachable, a list of back-up names needs to be readily accessible. 

2. A clear written directive that an AC officer cannot deny a medical pull without the consenting advise of the county vet or at least one of the BOC's on the animal control board. 

3. A complete review of policy in terms of contagious animals as the AC Officer stated at least 3 times to numerous witnesses that he believed the dog had parvo. Yet, the dog was placed back into general population and was placed back in a kennel with a healthy dog. (Even if the dog did not die from parvo, at one point, the Officer thought he had it and proper procedures were not carried out.)

4. A review of the contract with the county vet and a directive addressed to AC that the vet, under contract, is to be called in extreme medical cases regardless of non-business hours as this is standard practice at other counties.

Stephanie Drake Burford
770-749-2100 (office)
678-476-4665 (cell)
sburford@polkga.org

Jason Ward
770-749-2100 (office)
678-861-1250 (cell)
jward@polkga.org

Scott Tillery
770-749-2100 (office)
770-324-2561
stillery@polkga.org

Marshelle Thaxton
770-749-2100 (office)
770-634-7896 (cell)
mthaxton@polkga.org

Ray Barber
770-749-2100 (office)
678-901-7790 (cell)
rbarber@polkga.org

Jennifer Lankford Hulsey
770-749-2100 (office)
404-694-2470 (cell)
jhulsey@polkga.org