Dogs Seized After Complaints
Brandy Williams with three of the rescued dogs at the Moore County Animal Shelter. Glenn M. Sides
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The rescue of 18 dogs at a Lucas Road residence this week involved the cooperative efforts of several county agencies and nonprofit animal charities.
In the meantime, the rescued dogs are being cared for by Animal Advocates of Moore County, the Humane Society and the Moore County Animal Shelter.
Al Carter, director of Moore County Animal Control, said the family voluntarily surrendered the animals. He called the situation more a sociological matter and that criminal charges are not being actively pursued.
However, the county attorney’s office has researched procedures for declaring the property a “public nuisance” as defined by state law.
Carter said the property in question has been the source of numerous complaints since 2007, and the family has been cooperative, but complaints soon return.
The property is west of Seven Lakes West, where residents had complained about the loud, persistent barking of dogs. The property is not inside Seven Lakes.
“They (the family) have always shown a good faith effort to comply with our orders to bring the dogs under control and to provide better care,” Carter said.
Carter said the dogs were not abused but were not well cared for. He said the family simply does not have the financial or physical means to provide suitable day-to-day care as well as veterinary care.
Maureen Burke-Horansky, founder of Animal Advocates of Moore County, described the owner as “a hoarder” who has been hospitalized, leaving her brother responsible for feeding and watering the large number of dogs.
Two of the animals accepted by her group were immediately taken to a veterinarian because they needed urgent medical attention. Burke said both suffered body sores from lying in their own feces. One was a pit bull, the other a husky.
The number of dogs on the property at any one time varies from 15 to 30, depending on the size and condition of litters, a situation that changes from day to day. Most of the dogs have not been spayed or neutered.
“We are pleased that he surrendered the majority of his dogs and are hopeful that he will surrender several others shortly,” Carter said. “He was caring for them the best he could.”
In a report issued this week, County Manager Cary McSwain said that the Planning Department, Animal Control and Environmental Health officials have been working on the Lucas Road situation since early 2008. Their efforts have focused on such things as housing assistance and violations of the zoning and animal control ordinances.
McSwain said that initial efforts to help the family through Community Development Block Grant housing rehabilitation assistance proved to be cost prohibitive because of the dilapidated condition of the existing dwelling.
“Some progress has been made by the family to comply with the zoning ordinance violations,” McSwain said. “Being aware of the dire financial state of the family, the county has been flexible in working with the family to comply.”
The planning staff partnered with the Department of Social Services to research other options, but no housing assistance was available, according to McSwain.
The family has been allowed to live in a recreational vehicle parked on the property to prevent them from becoming homeless. The three adults living there have inherited the property, a factor that complicates some assistance and enforcement efforts, McSwain added.
Since receiving the first complaints about barking, Animal Control has investigated several aspects of the situation but determined that the dogs are not being abused or neglected — although their care is minuscule, apparently because the family has limited means. Carter said the family provided ample water and food and has tried to work on shelter issues, but the quality of the food, for example, has been poor.
“The family was making a good faith effort to comply, but a citation was issued for nuisance in February of 2009,” McSwain said. The complaint that time was barking.
Animal Control asked the family to surrender the dogs Feb. 12. The family agreed to surrender the animals on Monday but were called out of town because a sister was hospitalized. On Tuesday, they surrendered 18 dogs.
Another 10 dogs remain on the property, but the family is expected to surrender them at a later date.
The county attorney and the deputy county attorney visited the property to assess the violations of the zoning and animal control ordinances and to determine if other activities there could be categorized as a “public nuisance,” McSwain said.
McSwain said the planning staff has advised the county attorney that work is under way on another application to determine if the family is eligible for any type of funding.
Contact Florence Gilkeson at (910) 693-2479 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.
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Comments
bobbylaton 3 years, 3 months ago
As well intentioned as these people may have been they were not just hoarders as Ms. Burke-horansky has stated. She sometimes twists the truth. This particular sad situation has existed not weeks, months nor years, but for decades.
Baselice 3 years, 3 months ago
Kudos to the residents of West End and Seven Lakes West for their perseverance in their efforts to resolve the deplorable situation at Lucas Road.
It is shameful that these conditions have existed for so long while we have animal control ordinances in place that prohibit this type of treatment. As for enforcement, having a law in place and not enforcing it is the same as not having the law.
wicker 3 years, 3 months ago
Correct me if I'm wrong, but body sores and lying in their own feces is abuse to me.
Angel_Rose 3 years, 3 months ago
The situation on Lucas RD. is worse then most ppl know. If the Moore CO. Animal Control would dig in the yard you will find over 500 dog carcasses. They were buried by said family. Left to die on the chains from starvation and disease.
AnimalLover 3 years, 3 months ago
I wholeheartedly agree with Baselice. I moved to Moore County last year. In the month of December, two of my animals fell victim to serious crimes. One of my dogs was stolen, and one week later I found one of my cats that had been shot, had a badly broken hind leg and was left to die on my neighbors' property. These horrendous acts of violence are incomprehensible to me, as both of these animals were not doing any harm to anyone. I have no legal recourse in either of these cases, so the perpetraitors that committed these crimes got off scott free. It is time for this abuse and neglect to end. We need laws that have teeth or active enforcement of current laws, so people get the message that abuse and neglect, even in the name of "tradition" or "heritage", is NOT OK. Enough is enough! Tradition or heritage is not a valid excuse for mistreatment of any animal. And just because "this is the way it has always been" doesn't make it right either. People that abuse or neglect an animal will likely do the same to a child, an elderly person, or anyone that cannot defend themselves. Speak up, people of Moore County! Let your voices be heard! Together, we can stop this insanity!
NCgirl 3 years, 3 months ago
This story breaks my heart! I have 2 dogs and love them dearly, they are our children. I think I've always had a pet of some kind throughout my life and I can't imagine neglecting them in anyway. I wish I had the space & $$$ to adopt some of these dogs because they deserve a better way of life.
To AnimalLover: What area of Moore County do you reside? Did someone just come and take your dog out of your yard??? How scary! I am also a bit confused about the 'tradition & heritage' references?
Uniblogger 3 years, 3 months ago
I would like to donate a bag of dogfood. I would rather help than tallk. Does anyone know how I can get the food to the dogs?
AnimalLover 3 years, 3 months ago
NCGirl- I live on the north end of Murdocksville Road. Yes, my dog was taken from my fenced yard. He would have happily jumped in anyone's car to go for a ride. As for my "tradition and heritage" comment, it was more of a culmination of hearing excuses about actions similar to this Lucas Road issue, the killing of my cat, and other circumstances related to the human race's behavior and attitude about abuse, cruelty and neglect of animals. We tether our animals because that's the way we have always done it. We hunt deer by chasing them down with dogs because "that's the way my daddy and his daddy did it". How very sporting, and not even remotely close to "hunting". They think it is their right to do so because it is their heritage. My point, albeit, a little long-winded, is that people's attitude towards these acts of pure cruelty is generally to ignore it and sweep it under the rug. Let's begin to wake up and recognize these actions for what they are, and put an end to them. The animals don't deserve this.
AnimalLover 3 years, 3 months ago
Uniblogger- The Moore Humane Society will take food or other donations for the animals in their shelter. I have adopted a few animals from there and they can always use assistance. They are a no-kill shelter and a great group of people. I don't know if they have some of the Lucas Road dogs there, but they are filled with other animals in need of help.
GoldenDreams 3 years, 3 months ago
AnimalLover, I totally agree with you. I've made comments before in these blogs about the mistreatments and abuse of animals that I have seen so rampant in North Carolina. I've actually had people say to me, "But not Moore County!" Sorry to disappoint them, but I have seen dogs left out in the freezing cold all winter long, cats picked up and thrown in anger, rocks thrown at ducks by children under the gaze of their parents, etc. These things are cruel. I've questioned many people and they say, "That's just the way it is," or "We can just about take care of ourselves, how can we take care of our animals?" Then my question back is, "Why do you have animals if you are not going to care for them and treat them right?" Until our perception changes, and we see animals as fully sentient, then they will continue to suffer among the uncaring and unjust.
None 3 years, 3 months ago
Isn't it time for our commissioners to pass a no tether ordinance? Some people really don't deserve to have a pet when chained to a stake in the yard or tied to a tree....anyone want a petition drive before elections?
Baselice 3 years, 3 months ago
Toda, yes I think a petition for an anti-tethering law is in order. They did pass one in Cumberland County. It is about time that Moore County bring itself into the 21st century. I think this county should take more pride in itself and care about how people view their treatment of animals. Gandhi said "You can judge a society by the way they treat their animals". Gandhi would be greatly disappointed.
squishy 3 years, 3 months ago
HEY BASELICE....MooCo HAS CHILD SUPPORT LAWS ALSO, THEY DON'T ENFORCE THEM EITHER!! SEEMS LIKE THE COUNTY HANDLES EVERYTHING PRETTY MUCH THE SAME.........THEY DON'T.
Woody 3 years, 3 months ago
So we should let dogs roam free? How about an anti-barking all day ordinance?
bobbylaton 3 years, 3 months ago
Woody that happens already. There is probably some ordinance that covers the dog barking all day problem - enforcement is a different story. Responsible pet owners is the best solution. Pet owners should not be allowed to have the pets if the owners can't control their pets, keep them healthy and reasonably clean.
NCgirl 3 years, 3 months ago
I would sign a petition for an anti-tethering ordinance.
Woody - I know for a fact that there is a 'Barking' ordinance in Pinehurst. If a dog is consistently barking for hours you can contact the Pinehurst Police & they will go to the Barking Dog's house and explain the complaint, etc. etc. etc. I've had 2 neighbors who leave their dogs outside at night and the dogs barked for hours and late into the night. I felt sorry for the dogs and my neighbors who lived next door to these houses, so I contacted the police and the situation was taken care of.
Yes, these types of ordinance's are complaint driven, so we have to do our part when we see/hear an ordinance being broken.
None 3 years, 3 months ago
@Woody ~ if people who abuse animals by tethering them in less than humane conditions, the animals may not bark all night seeking attention.
Anyone who has an interest in supporting a petition drive for anti-tethering ordinance, post your email address on my page by clicking my profile picture...and I will start the petition....
AnimalLover 3 years, 3 months ago
Well said, Toda and Baselice! I agree with the saying by Gandhi, and he truely would be disappointed. Our animals should be treated more kindly, and it is so sad that they are thought of as objects or possessions by some misguided individuals. To all of those that commented on this very sad, but far too common story: let's put our feelings into action! Toda, I responded to your email and I eagerly await your reply. Let's get the ball rolling on firmer ordinances, and push the authorities into harsher punishments for this abhorrent behavior. I for one am tired of reading about these issues continually happening and nobody is held accountable, really. Together we can make a difference in the lives of these animals! Real change begins with grassroots efforts. Let's pool our resources folks. I'm on board, now who's with me?
None 3 years, 3 months ago
@AnimalLover ~ the email has been sent and the wheels for a petition are now in motion...Better response than I really expected...if your email is blocked, I check my spam mail...I will add you to my email list. It's not required to send an "allowed" sender request...just type Petition in the subject line....
None 3 years, 3 months ago
Anyone can contact me who has an interest in supporting an anti-tethering ordinance: toda1@mindspring.com
GoldenDreams 3 years, 3 months ago
Thanks, Toda. I'm on board. Thanks for being a leader.
mandygrl 3 years, 3 months ago
I don't think anyone should have an animal unless they have the means to take care of it. I think that the gentleman should be charged with having so many animals & not taking care of them like they are supposed to be taken care of. I myself treat my animals like a child. My animals are going to eat before I eat. It is a shame that the animal control of Moore County has let this go on for almost 3 yrs. It just upsets me that this has happened. If they do not want to do their job then get out of it. They Are supposed to be helping the animals. the animals do not deserve to be treated the way they are being treated. So the people of Moore County need to step up & help the animals.
Baselice 3 years, 3 months ago
There is an Animal Control Ordinance in place. This ordinance does not exempt people because of their economic status. Animal Control is making excuses for the situation out at Lucas Road because of the owner's current economic status. The owner was clearly not in compliance with the current Animal Control ordinance. Plastic/metal barrels and dogs chained to cars does not comply with the Animal Control ordinance. This situation did not happen over night. Bottom line, the animals suffered because of the lack of urgency on the part of Animal Control(2 years worth of lack of urgency). Animal Control, don't insult our intelligence!
mamadog 3 years, 3 months ago
Toda, I am right with you. I was going to start a petition myself, not only for our dogs here in Moore county being left outside tied to a tree but for all the places dogs are being gassed. Can you help with that also?
None 3 years, 2 months ago
@mamadog ~ thank you for your support. If I had your email address I would send you the petition. Or you can copy and paste and return it to me. Please circulate to as many contacts as you can and return it to me.