WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Over the last two days, at least 57 animals were saved from the sub-freezing temperatures in Forsyth County. This is in the wake of a press conference involving each law enforcement agency in the county, calling for people to be on the lookout for animals left outside without proper shelter, food and water. These animals — now being housed at the Forsyth County Animal Shelter — were either seized, surrendered by their owners, or found as strays.
However, FOX8 has learned that at least one of these animals will be euthanized.
“It’s a combination of age, medical condition and being out exposed to the elements,” Forsyth County Animal Control’s Lt. John Day said.
Many more of the animals may meet the same fate. The owners of the animals who have been found not to be abusive will have a chance to come pick up their pets. Those who are not claimed will be evaluated for adoption, but if they are not found to be adoptable, they could be humanely euthanized, according to Day.
“If they do die, it’s a humane death. It’s not the type of situation they’d face if we didn’t do anything,” he said. “Being left outside alone either to freeze to death, chained up outside to a tree without shelter, or even to be running loose out on the streets to get run over by a car.”
Local animal advocacy groups, like non-profits Fur-Ever Friends of North Carolina and UnchainForsyth, agree.
“Can you imagine, you’re sick, you’re unhealthy, you’re freezing to death. There are a lot more things worse than euthanasia,” said the nonprofits’ Jennifer Tierney. “They would have continued to live like that had it not been that they were taken.”
Tierney says this is simply a way for the community to step up and adopt the animals before it’s too late.
To the people who phoned in to the authorities regarding the at-risk animals, Tierney wants to assure them that it was the right thing to do.
“You did the right thing to protect them, and it’s everybody’s responsibility to look out for these dogs,” she said. “Keep your eyes open and report everything you see and keep reporting it. You are the voice for the voiceless.”
In the case of the dog that will be euthanized, Animal Control will be reviewing the case and the owners could face charges.
“There are more cases we’ll look at, to look at the elements involved, and what was going on,” said Day. “If they do meet the criteria for cruelty we’ll be pursuing that.”
For information on how to adopt an animal from the Forsyth County Animal Shelter, check out their website at www.co.forsyth.nc.us/AnimalControl/. To donate to, or for more information about Fur-Ever Friends of North Carolina, visit their website at www.fureverfriendsnc.org. 100 percent of donations will go to the animals and can be sent to Fur-Ever Friends of NC or UnchainForsyth at P.O. Box 15742, Winston-Salem, 27113.
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