PAWS Humane: Sad Beginning, Happy Ending

Several weeks ago, a dog named Camo, became an internet sensation.  He was tethered by a heavy chain that was wrapped around his neck multiple times.  The chain was tangled making it significantly shorter and heavier.  When help arrived he nearly hung himself when he jumped off a car in his enclosure. 

Sadly, death by hanging is an all too common occurrence for tethered dogs.  In other cases, a rope or chain becomes wrapped around a leg which becomes so badly injured it has to be amputated.  Frightened dogs on chains may growl and snap as a means to protect themselves when forced to exist in such vulnerable circumstances.  Over the long-term, chaining can damage a dog’s psyche beyond repair.

Columbus has a well-written and enforceable anti-tethering ordinance and Camo’s tether was illegal on several counts.  Lindsay Ellis, the PAWS Humane outreach coordinator, was working in a nearby neighborhood when she saw the Facebook post.  She stopped by the residence to see if she could help the owner do a better job of caring for her dog.  There she met Anna-Claire Daniels from Animal SOS, both arriving just minutes before the animal control officer responded to a neighbor’s complaint.

Anna-Claire and Lindsay spoke with neighbors who claimed they had made several reports of abuse to animal control over the past six months.   While the animal control officer was stern with the dog owner, he did not seize Camo.  Instead, he issued a citation and left the scene. 

Lindsay and Anna-Claire were able to convince the owner to let them take Camo to a local veterinarian for treatment.  The vet did a thorough exam and committed his findings to writing.  This document was then used to get an impoundment order that allowed Animal SOS to hold Camo in a safe place until the court date.

There were a number of easily observable signs of abuse.  Camo was extremely emaciated.  His neck was deeply scarred, likely the result of an embedded collar.  He was bleeding from the neck and he was covered in fleas.  It was no surprise when he tested positive for hookworms, whipworms, and heartworm.   

It is difficult to understand why more decisive action was not taken by animal control.  We can only imagine the bureaucratic burden attached to the act of seizing someone’s pet.  There may be complications in the system that are not visible to those of us on the outside.    

All I can say with certainty is that the system appears to be failing companion animals.  Lucky for Camo, word of his plight spread far and wide.  During the hearing set to decide Camo’s fate, Judge Joyner, clearly a dog lover, told us he received 10,000 emails from people all over the United States. 

Judge Joyner took decisive action, legally separating Camo from his previous owner.  Thanks to Animal SOS Camo’s treatment for his myriad health issues will be completed.  Best of all, Camo has been adopted by the gentleman who first sounded the alarm and won freedom for this sweet dog.  Camo now lives in a home where he will receive the love and care he deserves.

Bobbi Yeo lives in Opelika, AL.  She is the CEO of PAWS Humane in Columbus, GA, an animal shelter and veterinary clinic offering low-cost spay/neuter and other services to the public.  Email her at byeo@pawshumane.org with your comments and story ideas.