Animal Control Director Smart Web was the officer to take the call.
“One of the renter’s neighbors called us,” starts ACD Web, “and said that the dogs looked like they were starving.”
Web decided to take a closer look at the situation before taking any action. He (Web) and one of his animal control officers drove over to the residence at 1105 Trice Cemetery Road later that day to have a look around. The property, which was rented to Phillip Powell, was not inhabited.
According to Web, Powell rented the property on Trice Cemetary Road but resided elsewhere.
Web says that from the beginning of the investigation it was clear that the animals weren’t being cared for regularly. Furthermore, he goes on to say that it appeared the house had been abandoned, meaning the dogs hadn’t been tended to for quite some time.
According to Web, there were three dogs on the property. All were Pit Bulls; one black female, one black male and a red brindle male. All dogs appeared to be without food and water, and the brindle had no shelter.
After two weeks of close observation with no appearance from the dog’s owner, Web decided to take action and confiscate the animals.
Director Web, Animal Control Officer Phillip Hill and Sheriff Deputy Murphy, went to collect the dogs the following Friday, July 25.
“When we arrived at the house,” begins Web, “one of the dogs, the female, came running around from the back with her chain tied around her neck.”
He went on to say that he assumed the female had broken free in search of food and water.
According to Web, the officers followed the female around the house to the back and found the other two Bulls still tied with chains. Both restrained animals were still without food and water, and the brindle was still without shelter.
When asked if the dogs appeared to have been abused physically or used in fights, Web replied:
“[The dogs} did not appear to be fighters. They’re actually really friendly.”
All three animals have been relocated to the Upson County Animal Shelter, and are being cared for by Web and his fellow animal control officers.
Powell turned himself in on Thursday, July 31 and was charged with one count of cruelty to animals. Investigations into this case are still ongoing.
For any information on adopting these or any other pets, call the Upson County Animal Shelter at 706-647-5586.
(Thomaston Times - Aug 1, 2008)
