Rescue neglect - over 100 animals seized
Lawrenceville, GA (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 19, 2007
County: Gwinnett
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: James Patterson
Workers with the state agriculture department and Gwinnett County animal-control office were caring for more than 100 animals taken from a backyard near Lawrenceville.
Investigators found dogs, cats, goats, ducks, chickens and bunnies -- even a pot-bellied pig -- at an animal-rescue operation that 34-year-old James Patterson ran from his house. They removed most animals on July 19 night.
Police said several dogs appeared malnourished, and others had missing fur or matted coats. Two dogs "were in such poor health that at first we didn't know if one of them was alive," said Cpl. Matt Warren of the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office.
The agriculture department said Friday that it will tend to the ducks, chickens, goats, and some rabbits, along with the pot-bellied pig, at Patterson's makeshift farm. The animals have been quarantined until veterinary tests show no communicable disease, state officials said. Gwinnett County officials will determine what happens to the livestock animals, officials added.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin warned that people who start with good intentions -- as Patterson apparently did -- often find themselves overwhelmed.
"At least 90 percent of the people we come in contact with had honorable intentions," Irvin said. But "you've got to have enough space and you've got to have the resources to care for them."
Investigators charged Patterson with 26 counts of animal neglect. A conviction on one count could cost him six months on probation, 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. They also cited him for running a business without a license and violating several county ordinances dealing with livestock.
A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2.
Warren started investigating after receiving a complaint this week about the animal rescue, called Loner's Ridge.
Patterson lives at the house with his wife, a grown daughter and a teenage stepson. Officials said he was cooperative and willingly signed over the animals.
"He told us he started out just trying to be helpful," Warren said. "They didn't go out seeking the animals. They were brought to them. He said it just got out of control."
Patterson could not be reached for comment.
Loner's Ridge billed itself on its Web site as a "Homestead farm with a big heart" that took in whatever stray animal was brought to it.
Before the Web site was taken down Thursday night, it said the farm adopted out all the animals after neutering if possible. People adopting animals were required to promis in a contract to take good care of the animals.
The site also said the farm sold chicken and duck eggs for $2 a dozen.
And it announced: "We are currently in the process of becoming a state-recognized rescue." References« GA State Animal Cruelty Map
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