We are Kevin Whitney and Roni Davis, residents of Spartanburg County, SC, and friends of Maggie Mae, the tiny pony pictured above.  Maggie Mae was a beloved child’s pet.  In late January 2024, she was badly mauled by two dogs running at large in our County.  Maggie Mae was injured so badly that emergency veterinary care could not save her, and she was humanely euthanized that day.

We are dog lovers, but feel strongly that the strongest possible measures must be taken when a dog severely injures or kills a person or domestic animal without provocation, especially when the attack occurs on public property or property that is owned by others (as was the case for Maggie Mae).  Our local County Animal Control has taken significant action in charging the dogs’ owner with multiple criminal offenses including unlawful running at large and nuisance, and seeking the highest possible penalties and fees for those crimes ($1600 in the aggregate) as well as restitution to Maggie Mae’s owner.  We applaud that effort but also urge the County to explore any non-monetary actions, such as impoundment and/or mandatory containment facilities, that local and state laws provide for.  A dog can become dangerous through no fault of its own and we truly wish that all animals were bred and raised to maximize their quality of life, but decisive action by the County is clearly warranted when a vicious attack has occurred.

If you agree, please sign this petition so that we can share our views with Spartanburg County Animal Control and, depending upon the outcome of the pending criminal case(s), with state and local legislators.  Thank you for joining us.