Health director to determine dogs' fates

The final decision as to what happens to the 40 pit bull terriers seized in a drug bust one month ago will be up to county's health director, following a resolution approved by the Caldwell County Board of Health.

During Thursday night's meeting at the Tammy Austin Conference Room in Lenoir, the board voted 9-1 to authorize Caldwell County Health Department Director Denise Michaud to study available options concerning the dogs.

And although Michaud said there is no deadline at this moment, based on comments made at the meeting, the clock is ticking before the animals will be euthanized.

“I will make that decision,” Michaud said. “I would prefer that (Caldwell County Animal Control) not have to be involved in it.”

When taken by Caldwell County Animal Control, several of the malnourished dogs exhibited signs that they had been raised and used for dog fighting purposes. Another 40 dogs that had been left at the scene are no longer there.

Rockey Oran Sigmon, 31, of 3250 Oran Yount Lane, Granite Falls, has been charged with four counts of felony dog fighting. His probable cause hearing is scheduled for May 12.

While efforts have been made at placing the dogs elsewhere, Michaud said expenses and a lack of options are creating complications. The dogs are not viewed as suitable candidates for adoption because of the aggressive nature for which they have been trained.

“We feel that we've exhausted all available avenues,” she said. “The vet bills exceed $2,600, and boarding some of the animals has been expensive.

“I can certainly say that the treatment (the dogs) have received from (Caldwell) Animal Control is far better than where they were.”

Michaud added that the community has provided assistance, such as donating 3,000 pounds of dog food and monetary contributions of $570. But at an estimated cost of $300 to $400 per day, according to Health Board Vice Chairman and veterinarian Dr. John Thuss, the dogs would appear to be running out of time.

“All of us who know anything about how these animals were bred and trained for, we knew what the outcome was going to be for the majority of them,” Thuss said. “That's just the cold, hard truth.”

Board member Marion Rothrock agreed and said, “These dogs we know are dangerous. They are not suitable to be kept at home - any home. They were bred to fight.

“No one wants to do what has to be done. And I don't think we can keep from putting it off.”

Health Board Chairwoman Jo Murray, who cast the lone vote against the resolution, encouraged Michaud to continue to seek pit bull refuge sites and additional community support.

“There's probably a lot of plain citizens who would like to contribute to this,” Murray said.

Animal Care and Control Director Chad Barr, who was unable to participate in Thursday's meeting, said Friday that Animal Control has tried “diligently” to find rescue agencies to accept the dogs. He said they have spoken with approximately 300 rescue agencies, but only a few are able to take the animals because of how busy they are.

Barr said three agencies have agreed to take one or two of the dogs, and another agency said it would take six. He also noted that, at this point, the District Attorney's office does not plan to file any additional charges.

In other animal news, Michaud said the rabies vaccination clinic last month proved successful. Despite inclement weather, 719 animals were inoculated.

On the budget front, the Health Department is running on schedule fiscally. Michaud said the department recently learned that Medicaid payments will be more than $94,000 greater than expected. As for the Home Health division, revenues are running $160,000 more than expenses. The total is actually higher, Michaud said, because revenue entries are not credited until the payments are received, resulting in a lag of approximately six weeks.

In additional business, Caldwell Health Education and Promotion Supervisor Jessica Carter and Health Promotion Coordinator Dacia Hudson gave a presentation concerning their division's community outreach.

Carter said the unit's primary function is teaching and participating in health care events. She noted the success the department has had in conducting health screenings at local churches and providing individuals information on how to live a healthier lifestyle. Hudson added that a record 200 county employees currently are participating in the Health Department's wellness program.

In other business, the board:

€ Approved three budget resolutions to receive additional funding, including $22,500 from the Susan G. Komen Foundation to provide free mammograms at Caldwell Memorial Hospital; $17,500 from the North Carolina Division of Public Health to help implement a pandemic influenza plan; and $600 from the Public Health Nursing Training Funds to coverage mileage expenses for the Child Health division.

€ Was advised of the bioterrorism exercise that is scheduled for Wednesday in the Austin Conference Room, beginning at 4 p.m.

€ Welcomed new member Kay Roukema, who was sworn in at the meeting.