news-record.com

GREENSBORO — In a yard along Willow Street in February, a mixed-breed dog lay motionless at the end of a long chain when someone spotted her and called animal control officers to investigate.

But the call came far too late. The dog, named Willow, had died, and for more than three days, no one had taken notice.

A necropsy determined she had died from starvation. Her owner was arrested and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in a case that is still pending in court.

For local animal advocates, Willow was yet another animal that died or suffered senselessly from neglect and abuse. Their stories have been all over the news lately, and officials with the Humane Society of the Piedmont said they’ve had enough.

The group recently formed a nonprofit group called Triad Laws for Paws and is striving for legal changes that will help abused animals and stiffen the penalties for animal cruelty.

“We just get so many calls in for animal cruelty, and we have been contacting the proper authorities and doing the investigations we can,” said Ginny Wiltsey, director of the local Humane Society.

“(But) there are repeat offenders, and laws and ordinances that need to be modified and enforced. I felt like we were beating our head against the wall and not getting anywhere in regard to helping these animals.”

The group aims to start at the local level to push for changes in ordinances and enforcement practices and to create support for stronger laws and penalties at the state and federal levels.

Relying on one another’s expertise, members plan to work together to make changes throughout the area.

For instance, Wiltsey said advocates pushing for an anti-tethering ordinance in Forsyth County could be called on to use their expertise in getting something done in surrounding counties and cities. “We are going to share information with one another to help each other and make sure these animals are being helped,” she said.

The group is planning to attend meetings in the area to advocate that city councils, county commissioners and health departments take a stand for animals.

“I think if people realized what was in our backyards, they would be appalled and ashamed,” Wiltsey said. 

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com