Puppy Center of Surrender Dispute
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A Seven Lakes woman is suing the Moore Humane Society after she says the no-kill shelter refused to return her dog after she left it there to get a rabies vaccination.
Jan Anderson Dubey, 70, said the Humane Society refused to give back the dog, telling her she was too old to care for it.
Corinne “Corky” Frye, of the Humane Society, said Dubey came to the shelter claiming she couldn’t care for the 6-month-old miniature American Eskimo dog, and wanted to get rid of the animal.
“The dog was legally surrendered to the Humane Society and we’re not going to give it back to her,” Frye said.
Dubey’s signature appears on a Moore Humane Society animal surrender form dated May 12.
Dubey said she filled in her address on the form and partially signed it. She said the remainder of the form, which also includes a photocopy of her driver’s license, was filled out by Humane Society staff. The document appears to have been filled out by more than one person.
The one-page form provided to The Pilot by Dubey indicates the reason for surrender as “To (sic) old to take care of puppy.”
Dubey said she was told by shelter staff that the form was a “sign-in” sheet and didn’t read the form before she started to sign it.
When asked about what happened on May 12, Frye said that Dubey came to the Humane Society and told the staff that she was too old to care for the dog and didn’t want it anymore.
“We don’t take in an animal to give it a rabies shot,” Frye said. “If somebody comes in and asks for a rabies shot we send them to another location, like a veterinarian or to (Moore County) Animal Control.”
When asked if she thought the staff of the Humane Society could have misunderstood her intent, Dubey responded flatly, “That would be quite a misunderstanding.”
Dubey said she first became worried about the rabies vaccine for her new puppy, 6-month-old Flurry, when she and the dog were in Myrtle Beach on May 10 and 11.
She returned home the night of the 11th and the next day called PetSmart to see about bringing the dog in to have its toenails clipped and to get a rabies shot.
In a first interview, Dubey said she had called PetSmart and was told to bring the dog in. She said she did so and then was told she couldn’t bring the animal inside.
In a subsequent interview, she said she was told by phone that she couldn’t bring the dog in. She said at that point she drove to Southern Pines and stopped at two veterinarian offices that were closed, and then stopped at PetSmart where she was told “by someone at the door” that she could not bring the dog inside.
She said she never spoke to anyone at the Banfield animal hospital located inside PetSmart.
When contacted earlier this week, a woman who answered the phone at Banfield said no animals are refused treatment and if an owner brings in a dog that is not current on its rabies vaccine, the shot would be administered, but the owner is responsible if the dog bites anyone while there.
When she couldn’t get in at PetSmart, Dubey said she visited several other veterinarians, whose offices all were also closed, before going to the Humane Society.
Dubey said she was assured by staff that she could come get her dog in a couple of days, and when she returned on Monday, May 14, she was unable to get her dog back and was told to fill out an adoption form.
She called the Humane Society the next day and said she was told that the Humane Society had decided not to return the dog to her.
“I said, ‘Today or ever?’, and she (Humane Society’s Heather Collins) said, ‘Ever. We decided you’re too old,’” Dubey said.
The situation has escalated since.
Both sides have accused the other of assault, but no police reports have been filed.
Dubey, who engaged two lawyers before ultimately deciding to represent herself, filed a report of a stolen dog with the Carthage Police Department on June 11. On June 14, representatives from the department confirmed the report, but said the investigation was ongoing.
Anna Meek, the breeder who sold Dubey the puppy for $1,000, even attempted to come up to claim or adopt the dog. She was unsuccessful.
“They wouldn’t release the puppy to me because they said it was involved in litigation,” said Meek, who said she has been breeding dogs for 10 years.
Said Frye: “At the Humane Society there is no way we’re giving the dog back to the breeder.”
Complicating matters, Meek said Dubey signed a contract with her kennel AMAR Kennel, that reads, “It is understood that if, for any reason, you find it impossible to provide for the puppy, it must be returned to AMAR Kennels. No refunds available.”
Frye has said that the Humane Society has done nothing wrong and intends to adopt out the dog locally.
Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or tembrey@thepilot.com.
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Comments
rightwingpatriot 10 months, 4 weeks ago
these people have always been rude. I know a number of people who rescued els where just due to their attitude.... I sure hope they can resolve this soon. poor pup
sandhillsdogs 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Breaking & Entering to steal Animals - Abandonment of Animals - Cheating People out of donation - cheating old People out of an purebred Dog - lies about being a NON KILL Shelter - racial profiling by adoption - all in the name of the poor animals! Time for some Members of the Board of Directors to step down or stop the power trip of ONE Board Member who believes she is above the Law.
Oh by the way did somebody ever asked what happen to all the money for the big new shelter? Does all Board members know convicted felon are hired?
scotsfire 10 months, 4 weeks ago
sandhillsdogs has several good points. where is the money and what seems to be the problem(s) there?because there obviously is questionable activity. that's sad...something we depend on and trust in this county and it's not what it appears.
AnimalLover 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Sandhillsdogs has a bone to pick with MHS. And please enlighten me on your accusation, SHD. Those are some very serious charges, and when they are found to have no basis in fact, perhaps you should be sued for slander. Lying about being a no-kill shelter? Really? This coming from a guy that was too lazy to trap two puppies and resorted to shooting them instead. Have you paid your fine yet?
AnimalLover 10 months, 4 weeks ago
And another thing, FR, what do you have to say about the threats and intimidation you have done in the past?
vtgarden 10 months, 4 weeks ago
If I'm reading this correctly, the owner left her dog on Saturday May 12th, and returned on Monday, Mayt 14th? Who leaves a dog overnight anywhere to get a rabies shot? That makes no sense to me, and I've owned many dogs... I mean really... if I were going to take my dog anywhere for a rabies shot, and was told no one was available to administer it, I'd put the dog back in the car and return home. I would never leave my dog for 2 days when all he needed was a rabies shot, which takes about 3 minutes! Something does not add up here...
Baselice 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Hey Sandhills dog, you think you have all the facts but you don't!! You should do some research before you start spewing off publicly. Hey we have a few facts about you. Aren't you the one who shot and killed two dogs at Mid-south last year. They were trapped in the tennis court and you shot both in the stomach which violates the Animal Welfare act field euthanasia laws. There were witnesses to this. Now that is a fact....you can look it up on the NC Departement of Agriculture website. You were fined and lost your field euthansia privileges. Look it up. It is right there for the public to read. http://www.ncagr.gov/vet/aws/Inspections/Moore_County/Moore%20County%20Notice%20of%20Suspension%20of%20CET12-23-11.pdf Hey aren't you the one who breeds rottweilers for profit. Hey,aren't you the one who euthanized unwanted animals in Moore County, Hey aren't you the one who shot the dog behind Firsthealth and wounded her and left her out there to die?? There were witnesses to that too!! Hey, how does it feel to stick a needle into an innocent animal with euthanasia solution while you are breeding and bringing more dogs into the community. Especially a breed that is one of the most euthanized dogs in the state. Moore Humane has been helping and rescuing homeless dogs for over 20 years and with "NO" tax dollars like county run facilities. Shame on you for taking this opportunity to pounce. . How does it feel to get pounced on back?? You have skeletons too my friend!!
JD 10 months, 4 weeks ago
sandhills humane society is a great deal. $70 to adopt an animal after they check out where it is supposed to live. That is cheap compared to what it costs to give the animal its shots, food, and shelter.
the power trip of ONE Board Member who believes she is above the Law.
I do believe that lady got me to stop volunteering there. There are two crazy ladies that run around like they own the place and you are just lucky to be there. So I take my volunteer time elsewhere.
AnimalLover 10 months, 4 weeks ago
I totally agree, vtgarden. Her story just doesn't add up, no matter how you look at it. And why would someone at PetSmart tell her she couldn't bring the dog in the store? People bring their animals in there ALL the time. I know the people in question, and can tell you with nearly 100% certainty that they did not say the things to her that she claims.
rwf 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Mrs Dubey left the dog at the Humane Society Shelter and fully intended to and did surrender the dog. She told her Attorney that the dog had thrown up all over her car on the way back from the beach and that she was too old to raise a puppy. Her statements were to the staff at the Shelter and are not the comments of the Humane Society. Her Attorney confirmed to me in a 30 minute phone call that she surrendered the dog and furnished him documents. Her attempts to get the dog back proved to be pressure from the Breeder to get the dog. Mrs. Dubey told her Attorney that she would be happy if the Breeder got the dog. The Breeder even traveled from Burgaw to the Shelter and attempted to get the dog under false pretenses. I warned the Pilot reporter that publicity might unfairly damage the Humane Society and bring into question Mrs. Dubey's mental state due to her erratic behavior and apparent confusion/lying?? This is a waste of ink, paper and time.
LynnStickel 10 months, 4 weeks ago
I've never heard of anyone leaving a puppy with any vet or, animal shelter for 2 days for a shot. That makes no sense at all. Doesn't make any sense that the woman would be driving around trying to find a clinic open ...did she think of calling to make an appointment with a vet?
PetSmart doesn't check ID's at the door, that makes no sense either . The only thing I can conclude is that she realized the puppy was worth money as did the breeder. They had no intention of keeping the dog but rather to sell for profit. The puppies well being was not on their radar. Ms Frye did the right thing in not giving the puppy back, she had absolutely no reason to. It was surrendered, pure and simple
AnimalLover 10 months, 4 weeks ago
rwf, If what you say is accurate, then case closed. Moore Humane Society has been around for over forty years. They are a wonderful organization, with the most dedicated staff there is. They have saved thousands of animals during that time. Heather Collins would NEVER mislead anyone or tell them she won't give an animal back to its owner because they are too old. And Corinne Frye is involved with MHS because of her unending love and devotion to the unwanted animals in our community. How many of you volunteer your time to an organization like this? And Lynn, I think you are probably spot-on with your assessment. I am sure that money would be the driving force behind this, and it should also bring into question the breeder's ethics. Perhaps the breeder needs a surprise inspection from the state, to make sure that she isn't operating a puppy mill.
bettertimes 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Moore Humane Society in the RIGHT. Jan Dubey in the WRONG. This woman's story just doesn't make any sense at all!!!! I have adopted from Moore Humane Society and contributed to them. I have never seen anything but polite volunteers that care. And PLEASE, someone get the referenced Rott breeder investigated!! He sounds like a piece of work.....
vtgarden 10 months, 4 weeks ago
It's dangerous to try anyone, or an organization, in the court of public opinion. All of the facts will come out in a court of law. Personally, I'm a little surprised that The Pilot didn't wait until after the court date to print an article about the incident.
piaffequeen 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Hey Baselice-you are so quick to judge and spew your crap about Sandhills Dog. We didnt see your name to help catch those dogs in Mid South. Unfortunately he doesn't work at the no kill shelter so its part of his job to euthanize the dogs at the Animal Center. As far as him breeding Rottweilers-they are bred for police work. He isn't a puppy mill. You also seem to forget that it was he got the conviction for Animal Cruelty-here is the link-http://www.thepilot.com/news/2012/apr....
He does alot of good for the animals of Moore County-equine & canine. People don't like him because he doesn't have the good Ole boy mentality of everyone here and he doesn't take anyone's crap. So obviously you have a personal problem with him......
AnimalLover 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Baselice and I have a personal problem with SD, just the same as his vendetta against Moore Humane. Nobody said that he doesn't do good things too. I commend him for helping prosecute the animal abuser. But, even a broken clock is right twice a day. He has shown time and time again that he can have a vindictive streak a mile wide. This has nothing to do with him not being a good-ole-boy either. What Baselice said is 100% true. And how would you know whether any of us were involved with the puppy killing he did at MidSouth? We shouldn't have to be subjected to his crap either. Defend him all you want. Some of us in the community know exactly what kind of person he is, most of the time.
maillady54 10 months, 4 weeks ago
OMG! Even if she did surrender, she changed her mind maybe,she was back in a days time.Give the woman her dog!
vtgarden 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Pets are not disposable items (although as we've seen recently, some people have no qualms about leaving puppies and kittens in boxes on doorsteps). We are their caretakers, responsible for them at all times, under all conditions. Making the decision to surrender an animal is a serious one, not be taken lightly. Personally, I would look askance at anyone who surrendered an animal, only to return 2 days later, saying "I've changed my mind..."
pinewoodnc 10 months, 4 weeks ago
I hope folks will start thinking a little more about the welfare of this poor pawn of a dog. I worked in animal rescue for years in another state and have seen just about every situation. I see here, as was the case there, that people tend to get more involved in disputes with each other and sometimes, not always, jump to quick judgments and conclusions. The MAIN issue here is the welfare and best interest of this puppy. Someone needs to take the assignment to be sure this dog is found a good and loving home. Perhaps (and I say perhaps) Mrs. Dubey was confused as to what was actually going on when she took the dog to the Humane Society and things were not explained fully enough that she was actually "surrendering" her dog. Yes, folks, older adults can get confused. Look at all the elders that get scammed. I'm not saying that is what happened, but possibly. I will only say that the times that I went to the Humane Society, I did find the people to be rather offputting and not helpful and bordering on rudeness. I went a couple of times a fews years ago and decided that I would not return. I have adopted from other rescues. I do hope that the best interest of this dog is put as first priorty and work out whatever is in the dog's best interest.
getreal 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Oh for heaven's sake, give the dog back! If you don't want to give it to the woman who dropped it off, give it back to the breeder. Dubey made a mistake, forgot about the agreement between her and the breeder. At least she didn't dump it by the side of the road as so many idiots around here do! She took it to the shelter on matter what the reason, give her a break! She is legally responsible to the breeder, so give the poor thing to the breeder, case closed! I don't like the way this makes the shelter look to the public. Maybe some of the posts are true about the women who work there. Seems like a power trip to me. Just give the dog to the breeder! She will find a home for it.