Trenton: Tennessee's Shame



			HOME \| Get Involved \| Donate \| Act! \| News \| Issues \| Contact \| Search \| Members \| Store \| Events

"One woman said it's probably going to cost her a divorce but she's going to spend the rest of her life looking for her dog. She will not stop until she finds out what happened to him. She said she had that dog eight years; it's not just a dog, it's family."
- Chris DeRose, President - Last Chance for Animals

Trenton/Gibson County
Tennessee

After reporting the allegations of animal cruelty to the Chief of Police in Trenton, it seemed as though United States Animal Protection (USAP) would never get any action taken at this pound.

We had received numerous phone calls about this facility, located in Trenton, Gibson County, TN. The allegations indicated that the Animal Control Officer is shooting animals/using the dogs for target practice, that the animals are not receiving food or water, that the small kennel where the dogs are thrown in together (regardless of age, whether or not they are in heat, aggressive, sick, or injured) is covered in feces as well as blood from dogs fighting, and that the dogs have no shelter (see http://www.gibsonhearts.org/gibsonsecret.html). These are just a few of the assertions we had heard from local rescuers/witnesses. We also were told that animals were not returned to their owners and some dogs were sold as bait dogs to pit bull fighters! We tried repeatedly to get the Trenton police to investigate, however, until someone (local) would come forward and file a complaint, the Chief of Police refused to initiate an investigation. Unfortunately the witnesses who had complained to us were too scared to come forward - they felt that the retaliation in such a small town was too great a risk to themselves and their animals.

However, one brave witness finally came forward, issued a complaint to the police, and did a media interview.

This media coverage, launched by USAP and due in part to the involvement of a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation officer and the Jackson Madison County Humane Society, caught the attention of the District Attorney. While our witness is now facing threats of foreclosure on her home and the possibility of being arrested, her actions have forced a formal investigation into the Animal Control Office and all involved officials. We will do our best to insure that our witness will not face either foreclosure or arrest, especially as these actions against her are the result of harassment and intimidation by local officials.

It is the hope of USAP that these criminals will be brought to justice so that animals in Gibson County, Tennessee will no longer be inhumanely euthanized or denied basic care. These officials are guilty of multiple crimes, including the above-noted public intimidation and harassment, as well as a lack formal record keeping, a failure to investigate, and illegal euthanasia (it appears the Animal Control Officer involved is not certified as a euthanasia tech, a violation of TN law 44-17-303 and Rule 1730-5-.02, and that the County Executor lied to a local vet in order to obtain access to euthanasia drugs, which are FDA regulated substances). We are pleased to announce our intention to stop this illegal and inhumane treatment, and hope to bring notice of a guilty verdict soon

Contact USAPE by writing us here. USAPE officials further want to see the release of Spalding County Animal Shelter's animals pending a pitbull fighting and cruelty case and a court date set for the convicted felon being held for his involvement. He still walks free after more than three years of delays and postponements. Please assist us in writing letters requesting the release of these animals.

"Stop the Profiteering. It Costs Us Everything."