Licking County Residents Say No More Abuse

Some Licking County residents say they are appalled and enraged at allegations that the Licking County Animal Shelter is inhumanely treating dogs and cats, and that the alleged abuse has gone on for many years.

A group of about one hundred people gathered for a town hall meeting in Kirkersville this evening to voice their concerns.

Leigha Jones of Pataskala says she had a horrible encounter with the animal shelter back in 2005.

"My dogs were shot and killed. They were described as being aggressive when in fact they had no history of it. Before we could defend ourselves or even before there was a hearing, they were shot and killed in my front yard, " says Jones.

She was one of many with very similar stories.

Second Chance Humane Society President, Paula Evans, was one of the coordinators of the event and says she wants those who attended to become voices for the animals.

"It’s a voice for change. This has been 11 years of my life of seeing the same story, different year, and wanting these people, the county commissioners, and the Licking County Animal Shelter to be held accountable for what they’re doing, " says Evans.

WHIZ tried to contact the animal shelter for a comment earlier this week, but no one returned our call.

The county commissioners could not be reached for comment either because their office is closed during the weekends.