Case Details

Approximately 26 animals poisoned
Norway, SC (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Sep 30, 2004
County: Orangeburg
Local Map: available
Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case ID: 2955
Classification: Poisoning
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Animal was offleash or loose
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Norway's police chief says he's afraid someone may be taking the law into their own hands by poisoning nuisance animals, and he warns that "vigilantes will not be tolerated" and that the town will ask the solicitor to prosecute the killing of the animals as a felony.

Norway's police chief says he's afraid someone may be taking the law into their own hands by poisoning nuisance animals, and he warns that "vigilantes will not be tolerated" and that the town will ask the solicitor to prosecute the killing of the animals as a felony.

Police Chief Jim Preacher Monday night reported there have been approximately 26 animal deaths thus far.

"October was besieged with animal complaints. Many of these centered on dogs howling, barking or otherwise being a nuisance. One of these has been an ongoing complaint since July 7, 1987," Preacher said. "Mayor Dukes and I have talked with the parties involved and have tried various ways to end the problem, but it persists."

He warned that "no one is above the law. If someone is poisoning the animals, they will be caught and prosecuted. Norway will ask the solicitor to prosecute this act as a felony. That means the individual can receive a sentence of 10 years for each incident."

The police chief warned dog owners that they must also abide by the law.

"There is also another side to this. Norway has a leash law, and several citizens have been ignoring it. All dogs must be on a leash or under the direct control of their owner," Preacher said. "We will begin rigorously enforcing this law."

He said resident Joey A. Williamson Jr. asked him to present to the town council the idea of a kennel law.

"This would mean that anyone with three or more animals (dogs) would have to have a kennel license. In order to acquire a kennel license, you would have to pay a fee and undergo a public hearing," Preacher said. "This would apply to any citizen living within the town limits. If you have an animal, you must assume responsibility for that animal. You are responsible for its safety and you are responsible to ensure that it does not infringe on others in the community."

Preacher said the safety of residents and their families is the town of Norway's "main goal."

"The Norway Police Department will prosecute vigilantes as well as animal poisoners. We will also prosecute those who do not obey the leash laws," he said. "One last thing to consider � Suppose that a child were to taste some of the poison? Now, suppose it were your child? Please take action to safeguard your pets."

If anyone has any information about the recent animal deaths in Norway or sees anything suspicious, Preacher asks that they call him immediately at Norway Town Hall, 803-263-4300.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Police Chief Jim Preacher
803-263-4300

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References

The Times and Democrat - Nov 4, 2004

« SC State Animal Cruelty Map

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