Crazys Claws N Paws Animal Confiscation: Wayne County Animal Services Won’t Tell Me Why

In a follow-up to Elisa’s article about the confiscation of cats and dogs from Crazys Claws N Paws by Wayne County Animal Services, I have twice telephoned Wayne County Animal Services to find out why they did it (click to read Elisa’s article – opens new tab).

2nd telephone conversation

I recorded the 2nd conversation:

I specifically asked for Frank Sauls. On the first telephone call a woman told me that he wasn’t in the office and I agreed to leave a voicemail. I was told that he would be back in the office in about 30 minutes. I left a voicemail and then called back after one hour.

On the second telephone call I spoke to a volunteer who said that he had been instructed to make no comment about the investigation and no comment will be made because it is a live investigation. I feel like I have received conflicting information.

A refusal to talk to me indicates a lack of confidence in their actions. I’ve done some research on ordinances governing animal shelters in Wayne County. I’m told that only dogs were confiscated (update: this is incorrect). If that’s correct then it may be something to do with dangerous dogs which can only be held by the local authority’s services. I’m guessing (this is incorrect – please read the updating page by Elisa). It is about administering pain killers and antibiotics to pets when unqualified!

Crazys Claws N Paws confirm they were carrying out emergency rescue only

Tammie of Crazys Claws N Paws was simply carrying out emergency rescues of cats and dogs because of Hurricane Florence. On the face of it there was no reason to stop it. Like many others, I am bemused as to why Animal Services did.

A spokesperson for Crazys Claws N Paws told me (Facebook messenger) that they opened as an emergency center for displaced animals for this natural disaster….They said that Frank Sauls felt like laws were being broken and he made the decision on that basis. However, we don’t know what these laws are and how they were broken. A spokesperson for the Crazys Claws N Paws said that North Carolina does not have any emergency protocols for animal shelters during natural disasters and that they did not open as a shelter but as a safe haven for this event. They are still trying to figure out why Frank Sauls is ‘after Tammie’.

A recent comment from EP who was personally involved:

“Two of my outreach dogs were seized.
I provide vet care to those in need. My outreach folks were stranded and couldn’t get to their dogs. They asked me to help.
They agreed for me to find a rescue shelter, NOT at animal control as they didn’t trust them. Many horror stories.
I knew Tammie was helping displaced disaster animals. I asked if she could hold them for a short time…IF my roads weren’t flooded yet.
She agreed but asked if I had a crate and their shot records on hand.
I did.
That was Sunday afternoon.
By Monday afternoon the super sweet fully vetted dogs were seized.
Now taken to a place where they are exposed to disease.
They were also kenneled together, I was not notified of one microchip being scanned (boxer puppy).
The female ate the entire lupine collar off puppy. NOW because of the incompetence, we watch for obstruction.
Who is gonna pay for that?
If dogs had been left, they would have been safe.
Now, because AC was so “worried” for the safety of the animals, my outreach dog may be obstructed.
Good job Sauls!”