RFP Staff
♦ Today the findings of the NC Department of Agriculture investigation into Cooper the cat’s broken jaw were announced. NCDA inspectors found Cooper’s injuries were consistent with an “accidental injury” and therefore no action will be taken. No violation of the State’s Animal Welfare Act was found.
The county maintains they will pay for Cooper’s medical bills. The investigation was undertaken by Dr. Patricia Norris, Director of the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Section.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 21, 2016
ROWAN COUNTY CLEARED OF ALLEGATIONS – NOT IN VIOLATION OF THE NC ANIMAL WELFARE ACT
The NC Department of Agriculture investigation of the incident with “Cooper” the cat is complete. Dr. Patricia Norris the Director of the Animal Welfare Section provided her report to Rowan County this Morning.
According to the report the Veterinary review of the fractures show that the injury is most consistent with a recent accidental type injury. The statements of the shelter staff, rescue personnel and veterinarians, the veterinary medical records and the shelter records have been reviewed. The review concludes that as Cooper was provided with access to veterinary care within 30 minutes of injury. Therefore veterinary care was provided as required by 02 NC Administrative Code .0210 (c). Consequently, the findings of this investigation do not substantiate a violation of the NC Animal Welfare Act.
Aaron Church,
Rowan County Manager
Later Monday it was announced that the Rowan County Nature Center and the Animal Control Divisions were being consolidated. Former Animal Control Director Clai Martin’s position will be reclassified to Manager of the Animal Enforcement Division. Bob Pendergrass will head up the newly restructured Rowan County Animal Services Department.
Rowan County will have 4 divisions: the Nature Center, Veterinarian Services, Animal Enforcement, and Shelter Management. A new position titled “Animal Shelter Manager” was created and before long it will be filled by an Interim Animal Shelter Manager.
Area animal rights activists are vehement in their denunciation of Cooper’s handling at the Rowan County Animal Shelter. Many are saying the County is perpetrating a cover-up of the extreme abuses going on at the county animal shelter. Much of their ire is focused on Clai Martin (who they want fired) and County Commission Chairman Greg Edds who is viewed as insensitive.
The Facebook Page for “Saving Cooper N.C.” which provides current updates:
https://www.facebook.com/savingcoopernc/
The Facebook Page of Debbie Orbison:
https://www.facebook.com/orbison1?ref=br_rs
