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Animal shelter is not a place for play TO THE EDITOR: Summertime is here again… Kids are out of school looking for things to keep themselves entertained. Year after year, we, at the Washington-Wilkes Animal Shelter have tried to accept the fact that some children decide it is fun to call the animal shelter and leave silly messages. And yes, they are silly and really cause no harm except to try my patience. We have also gotten used to them riding over the grass, chunking things over the fence, and other childish behavior. Now, the behavior has gone too far. Last Saturday evening, July 7, around 7 p.m., approximately 12 children (do you know where your children are) appeared at the shelter, several adults were present, so they were quickly on their way. They came from Timber Co. Road beyond the shelter, we assume, but cannot prove this to be the same group of young men that have traveled all over shelter property harassing the dogs and opening gates. On Monday, July 9, at 6 p.m., I decided for some reason to return to the shelter to check on things. The shelter closes at 5 p.m., but we are usually there much later. The shelter was closed last week so I could have a little time off. The kids figured out when we were there and when we were not. Oh well! I met some of these young gentlemen coming out of Brown Road (Shelter Road) as I was going in. One of these young men was dragging one of the shelter dogs with a belt around its neck. The dog was retrieved and law enforcement was called. The young gentlemen left on their bikes except for the one that had been dragging the dog; he left running. I have since learned there was another dog taken, a light brown 16-week-old puppy. These young men entered the dog enclosures and removed these animals, which is against the law. We are offering a reward for the return of this puppy and for info leading to who did this. These children appear to be between nine and possibly as old as 14. The smaller ones are riding on the back of the bikes. I am sure they are all having a big laugh about their fun on Monday. But what they do not realize is how serious this is and how serious we are about the return of the puppy. Lexington Road is no place for kids to be riding their bikes in mass, neither is the Timber Road below the shelter. This land is leased for hunting by two different hunt clubs. We have had aggressive dogs dumped or tied out at the shelter (which is also against the law). The shelter is no play area. Taking the puppy and getting caught in the act of taking another is a very serious matter. The shelter staff is very concerned about this puppy and we are searching for it. This puppy was last seen in the possession at least four young men at the end of Brown Road (Shelter Road). If you have any info, please call 706-678-2287. And parents, do you know where your children are? Gloria S. Wheatley
director
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