Contact: Jennifer Kanady, jennifer@idausa.org, 530-391-0244

Video and images: http://bit.ly/CamoSaved

Columbus, GA (March 8, 2018) – A chained and abused dog from Columbus, Georgia has a bright future thanks to animal advocates. Local activists from Animal SOS and Chain Free Dogs rescued a severely neglected pitbull dog found chained and starving in a front yard in Columbus, Georgia. Supporters of In Defense of Animals flooded the presiding judge with 9,000 letters calling for the dog, named Camo, to be released from his abuser. Camo had his day in court yesterday with Judge Joyner ruling to surrender him from his owner. Camo has now been rehomed with a loving family.

“We are elated that Camo has been permanently freed from his chains,” said Marilyn Kroplick M.D. President of In Defense of Animals. “Chained dogs face a miserable existence and we urge everyone to bring your dogs inside where they belong. We call on Mayor Tomlinson and Columbus City Council to update the dog chaining ordinance and end this horrific animal suffering once and for all.”

Camo was skin-and-bones when he was discovered in the trash-filled yard of a home in Columbus, Georgia by Harold Johnson. The brown and white pit bull was tethered by an enormous chain, and more than 30 pounds too thin.

Johnson called Chain Free Dogs Columbus GA for help. The organization’s efforts have already made it illegal to chain dogs or leave them in disgusting conditions like the ones found in Columbus.

Calls began pouring into Columbus Animal Control in response to the deplorable photo and story shared to the group’s social media. Chain Free Dogs Columbus shared the documentation of Camo’s pitiful state to Animal Control and another local group, Animal SOS.

Thirty agonizing minutes were spent convincing his abusers to allow Animal SOS to help before Animal Control arrived. Officer Wright from Columbus Animal Care and Control issued a citation instead of removing the poor dog, Camo, even though his conditions clearly violated the no-chaining city ordinance and his tormentors had already received multiple citations since September.

A special volunteer named Lindsay Ellis was able to convince the woman who answered the door to hand over Camo for vet care. The woman turned out to be one of several people living at the residence who have been given citations. Fortunately, the vet was kind enough to write a letter to Animal Control stating that Camo should not be returned back to that home. He was impounded, but able to stay at the vet for care.

After Judge Joyner ruled in favor of Camo and his advocates, a loving family stepped forward to adopt Camo.

“Camo was quickly adopted by an amazing family,” said Becky Carter of Animal SOS, based in Columbus, Georgia. “He still needs medical care for his tumor and heartworms which we are going to help cover. We will continue to care for this very deserving dog.”

Camo continues to receive veterinary care for a tumor and heartworm under the care of his new family.

“While our laws have come a long way in one year, enforcement is still an issue,” said Christy Noullet of Chain Free Dogs, Columbus, Georgia. “I would like to strengthen the laws to better serve the animals. Chain Free Dogs is having an educational event on April 21st. The event is being hosted in an area of our city where dog chaining is abundant. We hope to positively impact the community by teaching them that cruelty is never okay!”

Please report dog chaining here: www.idausa.org/report

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Chain Free Dogs Columbus GA believes one dog left on a chain or tethered up in a yard is one too many. The group promotes a chain and tether free city. www.facebook.com/ChainfreedogsColumbus

Animal SOS is a foundation based in Columbus, Georgia dedicated to improving animal welfare. The Animal SOS vision is a time when no healthy or treatable companion animal is euthanized. www.animalsosfoundation.org

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 30-year history of fighting for animals, people and the environment through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048