News 12 at 6, April 30, 2008

BURKE COUNTY, GA---The debate over animal control in Burke County is not a new one, but it's one that's gaining some steam. A number of folks are now saying it's not an option anymore, it's a necessity.

In a county as big as Burke County is, providing a service like animal control would certainly be a big expense. But some people say, without, things are getting out of control.

Some animal activists say there is no shortage of puppies left at dumpsters or abandoned at homes with no food or water in the county.

Junior is one of the fortunate ones.

Junior and another dog were found last year by this mobile home. When he was found, he was emaciated and didn't have much time left.

"They were about to die of dehydration." Junior's rescuer Lisa Williams said.

Luckily, Junior and his friend were rescued and nursed back to health.

Cynthia Kilgore's dog wasn't so lucky.

"2 dogs had a hold of her. They were just tearing her apart." Cynthia said with a pained look on her face as she remembers her dog's last moments.

Some people, like Lisa, say these stories wouldn't happen if Burke County had animal control so people would be held accountable. And she decided to do something about it.

She put together a petition with thousands of names in total, all of them saying they want to see animal control become a reality in this county.

But the County Commission was not moved.

"I spoke with the commission and they said they won't spend any money on animal control." Lisa said.

12 On Your Side took a ride around one part of the county and quickly found a pack of dogs wandering the streets. There is no leash law, so it is not illegal, but to some it might be intimidating because it's hard to know which dogs are dangerous and which aren't.

And the danger appears to be real.

An article in the True Citizen Newspaper chronicles one man's claim that a pack of dogs destroyed 30 of his chickens.

Another article is even more serious. This one tells the story of a child who was attacked by a bulldog while walking with her mother.

Dog owner Trina Riska says it is getting out of control.

"Nobody knows what to do about it." Trina said.

Cynthia Kilgore says something has to be done or more people will get hurt.

"All of our dogs are gone now. But we do have 2 small grandchildren and they're in the yard all the time." Cynthia said.

A response from the Burke County Commission will appear in a future story.