Public outcry over alleged mistreatment at Columbus animal control continues

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)— The public outcry over the alleged animal mistreatment at Columbus Animal Care and Control continued Tuesday at City Council.

Monday, investigators with the Columbus Police Department spent hours collecting evidence in an active investigation into Columbus Animal Care and Control. It comes one month after surveillance footage of a dog being euthanized in the main kennel area went viral.

“We have seen repeated violations of state regulations and procedures that have resulted in the cruel and inhumane treatment and killing of the animals in the care of your city, with my tax dollars,” Columbus resident Meg Givans said during the public agenda.

July 23, city council approved an investigation into the city-run shelter . Tuesday, 15 people from across the southeast spoke out.

“This has been heavy on my heart and like many, I’ve been following the poor conditions and the poor management practices at CACC long since the inhumane killing of Chai,” Columbus resident Jennifer Parker said.

“Operations and policies at CACC make the work Animal S.O.S. and other rescues do for city harder and more expensive,” Founder and Director of Animal S.O.S. Becky Carter said.

“People want justice and accountability, and they also want reassurance that this will never be allowed to happen again,” Sarasota, Florida resident Mimi Steger said.

Councilors made many requests to the City Manager Isaiah Hugley in response to the comments made during the public agenda.

“I know there are quite a few councilors who feel the same way I do, and I would request that anyone who is banned from the facility [CACC] be reevaluated,” Councilor of District 8, Walker Garrett asked.

“We would like to, or I would like to ask you to put an RFP out for third party management to manage CACC with the condition that, and we want to get this right, with the condition that we can meet, or representatives of council can meet with staff prior to that RFP going out,” Councilor representing District 7, Joanne Cogle said.

To those in attendance, Councilor of District 1, Byron Hickey, had the following comments.

“I just want to say to everybody in the audience that are here concerning animals, you have a lot of animal owners and lovers up here on the council and we hear you,” Hiskey said. “And we are going to do our best to get this right. I promise you that. We’re going to do our best.”

No one has been placed on administrative leave at this time despite being approved in the July 23 city council meeting. Mayor Skip Henderson says once the investigation has concluded, its findings will be shared with the public.

The entire public agenda portion surrounding CACC can be viewed below.

Previous Coverage

• CPD conducts search warrant at Columbus Animal Care and Control (wrbl.com)
• CPD to investigate Columbus Animal Control following viral euthanasia video
• CPD releases update on Columbus Animal Care and Control investigation, asking those with information to come forward
• Public agenda centers concern over Columbus Animal Care & Control

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