Oconee County authorities could start serving warrants for Evelyn M. Nelson as early as Feb 14 after attempts to reach her failed as more than 200 of her animals remained in the care of the Oconee County Animal Shelter. The animals, mostly dogs and birds, were found Feb 7, 2005 in and around the home of Ms. Nelson on Yellow Bell Road off Dr. Johns Road south of Westminster, S.C. Ms. Nelson also operates Sandie�s Pets and Supplies on Collins Road in Toccoa.
A worker at the store Friday said employees could get a message to Ms. Nelson, but attempts to reach her at the Yellow Bell Road address were unsuccessful, and she has not returned calls to county officials.
"We have not heard from her," County Attorney Brad Norton said Friday.
Oconee County officials said a neighbor reported the conditions at the residence, and authorities found some dead animals there.
Ms. Nelson, who had been hospitalized at Oconee Memorial Hospital, has been released and was supposed to meet with county officials Thursday.
Although Mr. Norton said exact charges have yet to be determined, Ms. Nelson is responsible for a $5 per day per animal charge for boarding at the shelter.
According to shelter manager Bridgette Winkler, the animals include 102 dogs, 15 cats and 93 birds,resulting in more than $1,000 a day in charges since Monday.
The county animal shelter was closed for a fourth day Friday as shelter workers processed and cared for the animals, including those that already were at the shelter.
At least three locations in the Upstate have agreed to accept donations of supplies such as dry puppy, dog and cat food, birdseed, cat litter, towels and blankets and cleaning supplies.
Donations can be left at Dr. Andy Holland�s Oconee Veterinarian Clinic, 1605 Blue Ridge Blvd., until noon today and during regular office hours Monday.
Donations also can be left at the animal shelter on Camp Road just off Five Forks Road and Coffee Road, south of Walhalla. Other donation sites include Pet Depot on Pearman Dairy Road in Anderson and Greenville Feed and Seed on Laurens Road in Greenville.
Checks can be mailed to Oconee County Animal Shelter, 321 Camp Road, Walhalla, S.C. 29691. Case UpdatesSandies' Pets owner Evelyn Nelson once again is in trouble with the law, this time in Georgia.
City of Toccoa Marshal Ken Cox and inspectors with the Department of Agriculture shut down the store on Collins Road late Friday afternoon. Nelson was convicted of animal cruelty in South Carolina several years ago.
Action was taken at the Toccoa business after complaints from customers about the stench inside.
For more information on the latest case in Georgia, click here. | Source: Anderson Independent Mail - Aug 3, 2007
Update posted on Aug 29, 2007 - 3:40AM |
Officials say more than 90 birds will be turned over to bird sanctuaries. County Administrator Ron Rabun says the county has been advised not to allow people to adopt the birds because of diseases birds can carry.
Oconee County authorities reached a plea agreement this week with Evelyn Nelson, who is charged with three counts of ill treatment of animals.
Nelson was released Tuesday after posting a $3000 personal recognizance bond. She's given up the rights to the animals, which include 102 dogs, 93 birds and 15 cats. They were taken to the Oconee County Animal Shelter. She could have faced charges for each animal, but animal control officers agreed to press fewer charges after Nelson gave up rights to the animals.
Animal control officer Dan Gerrard says many of the animals were in small dog carriers with no food or water. Animal control officers say some dead animals were found at the residence.
Nelson operates Sandie's Pets and Supplies in Toccoa, Georgia. Nearly two dozen dogs and cats have been adopted. | Source: WIStv - Feb 18, 2005
Update posted on Feb 20, 2005 - 12:40PM |
On Tuesday afternoon, Nelson was charged with animal cruelty for more than 200 animals found at her Westminster home.
�She's charged with ill treatment to 102 dogs on one warrant, 93 exotic birds on another warrant, and 15 cats on another warrant,� says Oconee County Animal Control Officer Dan Gerrard.
The punishment for the three counts of animal abuse range from jail-time to fines to court orders on her future animal ownership.
�The judge, at his discretion, can order her where she can not own another dog, animal, or bird in Oconee County,� says Gerrard.
As for her Toccoa shop, law enforcement officials say they have no reason to pursue legal action.
Nelson has turned over her animals to the Oconee County Animal Shelter, which means they can be adopted.
Gerrard says, �We�re going to try to start adoptions here Thursday at 10:00.�
Only 20-25 animals will be released at a time when the shelter opens for adoptions. Each cat or dog will get his or her first shots and be spayed or neutered.
Animal shelter workers say the outpouring of support has been overwhelming and they are sure these little guys will soon have a home of their own.
Adoptions for the rescued animals will begin Thursday at 10AM at the Oconee County Animal Shelter. The animals will adopted on a first come, first served basis. Only 23 animals will be adopted per day. No birds will be adopted. And there is an adoption fee of $38-48. | Source: News Channel 32 - Feb 15, 2005
Update posted on Feb 18, 2005 - 4:18PM |
Evelyn Nelson could face animal charges in Oconee County, S.C., but that will not affect her ability to operate Sandie�s Pets and Supplies on Collins Road in Toccoa, Mayor Ken Davis said at Monday night�s Toccoa City Commission meeting.
More than 200 animals, mostly dogs and birds, were found abandoned at Ms. Nelson�s home in Oconee County last week while she was hospitalized at Oconee Memorial Hospital.
When reports surfaced, city officials asked the Georgia Department of Agriculture to examine the pet store, and a report from Toccoa Police Chief Jackie Whitmire said they found "no significant deficiencies," Mayor Davis said.
Although some city residents are calling for Ms. Nelson�s business license, it can�t be revoked for something that occurred in South Carolina, he said.
"We have no grounds to do that, and we will not do that," Mayor Davis said. "We hold people accountable for what they do in the city of Toccoa."
The city will continue watching the business, just as it does others, he said.
Ms. Nelson could owe thousands of dollars to the animal shelter in South Carolina based on that facility�s $5 per day per animal charge for boarding animals. The shelter took in her animals more than a week ago.
The shelter has asked for donations of dry animal food, metal food dishes, bird cages, blankets and materials for beds.
Officials also are working to find foster homes for the animals. Anyone interested in providing a foster home or donating supplies can call the shelter at (864) 638-8798. | Source: Anderson Independent Mail - Feb 14, 2005
Update posted on Feb 15, 2005 - 11:58AM |
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