Dogs At Center Of Lee County Animal Cruelty Case On Move

The

Animal League Defense Fund

took Barbara and Robert Woodley to court for animal cruelty and won. In January, The League got temporary custody of 100 of the Woodleys' dogs. Now the judge says the group can have control of nearly 200 more.

None of them is up for adoption yet, because the Woodleys are appealing.

"She loves animals. She would never intentionally do anything to harm an animal," said George Whitaker, attorney for the Woodleys.

A local businessman is letting the league use an old warehouse and volunteers are now preparing for more dogs.

"We are going to see a great number of dogs that need urgent medical care, dogs that are going to go directly to vet clinics," said veternarian Dr. Laureen Bartfield.

It could be another year before the case is settled in court. Melanie Barnes said she will keep driving an hour a day to help out.

"I'll be here fighting for these little guys," she said.

The Woodleys received a suspended jail sentence and five years' probation. After the verdict was read in court, Barbara Woodley collapsed and spent the night in the hospital.

If you would like to help the animals, monetary donations can be made to: Capital Bank c/o Animal League Defense Fund (ALDF)/Sanford Relief Effort 2222 Jefferson Davis Highway Sanford, N.C. 27332