Sign: Inhumane Heart-Stick Used To Kill Sweet Dog Surrendered To Animal Control

Published: July 30, 2024 at 08:47 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Columbus, GA – On June 18 a heart wrenching situation took place at the Columbus Animal Care & Control Center (CACC) and it was captured on the facility’s surveillance video. A surrendered dog named Chai was “euthanized” at the facility via heartstick, a cruel method that has sparked outrage among animal lovers nationwide.

Chai had been surrendered to the facility by her owner who said that they had “no room” for her at home. Given the information on the young dog’s intake form, and her demeanor at the animal control facility, Chai was a highly adoptable dog – one described as “sweet” by those who met her.

But Chai never got the chance to be loved by a new family. She did not even get the compassion of a painless death when the shelter decided that her time had come to an end at the facility.

On the evening of June 18, Chai was killed on the floor of the kennel area inside the shelter facility. A poison-filled syringe was plunged into her chest, but she did not die immediately; it took 40 agonizing minutes for the young dog to finally stop breathing. Afterwards, her body was loaded into a cart with other dead dogs, and she was discarded like garbage.

WARNING: Video of Chai dying is disturbing:

Last week, the city council meeting was packed with people demanding justice for Chai. After watching video of what Chai went through, the city Council of Columbus, Georgia is moving forward with an external investigation by the Columbus, Georgia Police Department.

We want to ensure that this investigation is completed and that changes are made! Please add your name to the petition if you want Justice for Chai, and every other dog who has suffered a similar fate at this facility.

Paul Mueller supports this petition.

TARGETS:

Canita Johnson – Shelter Director – Johnson.Canita@columbusga.org
Skip Henderson – Mayor skiphenderson@columbusga.org
Isaih Hugley – City Manager ihugley@columbusga.org
Drale Short, Director of Public Works dshort@columbusga.org
Kristi Ludy – Department of Health kristi.ludy@dphga.gov

City Council Members:

Toyia Tucker- tucker.toyia@columbusga.org

Charmaine Crabb – crabb.charmaine@columbusga.org

Walker Garrett – wgarrett@columbusga.org

Travis Chambers – chambers.travis@columbusga.org

Judy Thomas – judythomas@columbusga.org

Jo Ann Cogle – cogle.joann@columbusga.org

Gary Allen – gallen@columbusga.org

Bruce Huff – bhuff@columbusga.org

Glenn Davis – glenndavis@columbusga.org

Byron Hickey – hickey.byron@columbusga.org

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS:

We the undersigned demand a thorough, external investigation of the Columbus Animal Care & Control Center. Chai, and possibly other animals, suffered a cruel, prolonged death via heartstick and this can NEVER happen again. We further demand that everyone involved in Chai’s death be placed on administrative leave, and if the results of the investigation warrant, terminated from their positions. 

Note: The next Council meeting is on Tues. 8/13/24 at 9:00 a.m. Supporters are encouraged to attend!

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

Chai death summary

WRBL News

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Update 9/25/2024: Several updates – please click the links below for more information.

Manager Canita Johnson & ACO Alexander Pimintel have been placed on administrative leave

A former CPD officer gave testimony of a 2013 incident where CACC placed poisoned meatballs in a neighborhood to kill a dog and puppies

As of 9/20/24, still no agreement in place for the provision of veterinary services/vaccinating

Update 8/27/2024: Columbus Police and the DEA are on scene at CACC (Columbus Georgia Animal Care and Control) and they executed a search warrant this morning. Watch Journalist Paul Mueller’s update below. 

Update 8/20/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the targets listed above. City Council member Judy Thomas confirmed to Animal Victory a police investigation is underway and will report the findings when finished.