Meredith Ann McGraw, 61, 180 Wards Chapel Road, was arrested April 6, after Putnam County Sheriff’s investigators found 33 dogs at her home. Part of McGraw’s probation stipulates she can have no more than three animals.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Detective Lt. Tracey Bowen said at the April 19 probation revocation hearing, there seemed to be some confusion regarding the original probation order handed down in the case.
McGraw was released from custody and remains free until the new hearing.
Bowen confirmed a probation arrest warrant for McGraw was received April 4; McGraw was arrested April 6.
On April 8, Bowen and Deputy Scott Pitocchelli went to McGraw’s home and verified there were 35 dogs on the property, including two personal dogs owned by McGraw.
“They (probation) obtained a probation violation warrant based on the fact that she had more than three dogs in her possession out there,” Bowen confirmed.
McGraw ran an animal rescue, “Companion Pet Rescue,” at her home, which was licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The GDA revoked her license to operate a shelter in a letter dated March 20, Bowen said.
The dogs found April 8 were allowed to stay at McGraw’s home, because had they been seized, the animal shelter would have had to assume responsibility for feeding and caring for the animals. Presently, they are being cared for by a tenant of McGraw’s.
Bowen said the April 8 inspection revealed the animals appeared in good condition and were being given food and water.
“We didn’t see any visible problems with the dogs’ health,” Bowen added. “They had plenty of food and water. There were no issues with the care of the dogs at that time when we went out there that day, just still the fact that she had more than she’s supposed to have.”
As part of her original probation order, McGraw was required to find other living arrangements for the animals, with which, Bowen said, McGraw complied. But since that time, she apparently accumulated more than the three dogs the court ruled she could have during the three-year probation period.
McGraw was found guilty Feb. 19 and convicted on eight of the 10 counts stemming from the original probe in December 2011. Bowen said she found 62 animals in 15 kennel areas, 10 of which needed immediate medical attention at that time.
In addition to the original sentence of 36 months of probation, McGraw was fined $3,500 and was required to re-pay $958.24 to the sheriff’s office for veterinary bills. She also was to have a mental evaluation.
(Eatonton Messenger - May 2, 2013)
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