Police Find 12 Dead Dogs Inside Animal Shelter Managed By Benton County, Tennessee Mayor Jimmy Wiseman: Calls Made For Resignation

And it doesn’t stop there. As stated below, “a veterinarian had to euthanize 25 more puppies because of sickness.”

Let’s hope the calls work.

Article:

Protesters Call For Mayor's Resignation

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=7738948

Posted: Jan 17, 2008 09:34 PM
Protesters Call For Mayor's Resignation
Shannon Dykstra

CAMDEN, Tenn. - Police in Camden plan to make an arrest Friday in connection with the discovery of sick and dead animals at the Benton County Animal Shelter last week.

Police found 12 dead dogs inside the animal shelter managed by Benton County Mayor Jimmy Wiseman.

A veterinarian had to euthanize 25 more puppies because of sickness.

A concerned citizen told police that animals at the shelter hadn't been fed or watered in days.

Police also found dozens of hungry dogs and animal waste throughout the facility

On Thursday, activists picketed the county courthouse, calling for Wiseman's resignation.

Protesters blamed Wiseman for problems at the shelter.

"I'm not going to resign because I was elected by the people of Benton County to do a job and the majority of the people are behind me," Wiseman said. "They know I'm truthful."

Protesters are collecting signatures for a petition to remove Wiseman from office.

They said he was fully aware of the problems at the animal shelter and failed to improve conditions.

Investigators said the animals were living in horrible conditions.

"It was hard," said Shannon Dykstra of West Tennessee Animal Rescue. "It was really hard to walk in there and know with the amount of feces, seeing the animals that were laying there dead. Little Miracle Myrtle, who was barely able to breathe, that was very hard to handle."

"I don't think it's right to put those dogs in cages," said one resident. "If the county ain't going to take care of them, they don't need people out there trying to take care of them. If you do that to a dog you'd do it to a kid."

Wiseman said all of the animals were removed to a safer facility.

Police did not disclose whether animal abuse charges would be filed against Wiseman or the woman who ran that facility.

Wiseman said he fired Jackie Boyette, shelter director.

Protesters plan to rally Friday morning.