Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008

Shelter workers improperly euthanized animals, warrants allege

Three animal shelter employees in Cherokee County have been arrested on animal cruelty-related charges after an investigation indicated animals had been improperly euthanized.

Warrants issued by the State Law Enforcement Division allege the animal control officers intentionally inflicted "unneccessary pain and suffering" on animals between January 2006 and June of this year.

According to the warrants, the officers used a method of euthanasia called the "heart stick" without first sedating the animals.

Dewayne Fowler, Michael Pearson and Donnie Crowe are each charged with ill treatment of animals.

-- From Staff Reports

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