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8:40 a.m. • 2-10-12

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Animal Rights Group Sues Owner of Seized Dogs


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100+ Dogs Seized From Raleigh Home
100+ Dogs Seized From Raleigh Home

An animal rights group on Wednesday filed suit against a Wake County woman from whose home authorities seized more than 100 dogs.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is seeking a court order that would prevent Janie Conyers, 77, from regaining ownership of the dogs and would bar her from owning other animals for 10 years.

Wake County Animal Control officers seized 112 dogs, primarily toy poodles, and eight birds from Conyers' home at 8252 Holly Springs Road on Oct. 19. A woman looking to breed her poodle had reported filthy and crowded conditions to authorities.

An animal cruelty investigator found animal waste accumulated on the surfaces of the animal housing and that the residence was "heavily infested with cockroaches" and rodent feces, as well as strong smells of ammonia and an infestation of bugs, according to a search warrant.

The lawsuit also alleges that several dogs had burns on their skin from continual contact with urine and feces, had developed eye disease and body infections and were missing teeth from lack of dental care. Many dogs were malnourished, according to the suit.

Authorities have not filed any charges against Conyers.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund argued in filing the suit, however, that she shouldn't regain custody of the dogs and birds because her "callous and indifferent lack of consideration of the health and welfare of the animals in her ownership and possession" continues to pose a threat to the animals.

"Based on the advanced stage of disease in these animals, (Conyers) has also demonstrated an inability to care for any animals. The evidence of this long and broad history of abuse proves (she) should no longer be entitled to be in the possession of dogs," the suit states.

Wake County and animal cruelty investigator Dr. Kelli Ferris, a veterinarian with North Carolina State University, joined in the suit, seeking to recover the cost of caring for the animals seized from Conyers' home. A news release issued Wednesday by the Animal Legal Defense Fund estimated immediate veterinary expenses topping $70,000.

RELATED TOPICS: Wake County, Holly Springs, NC State University

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beas, strange, I don't remember PETA ever being involved in saving a child

Who said anything about animal rights groups turning their backs on a child? If someone who works for an animal rights group sees a child in these kind of conditions they would call an agency who takes care of children in these conditions. No, they would not turn their backs. There are agencies that take care of people and there are agencies that care of animals. No one can do it all. People who care about the welfare of animals also care about the welfare of all beings--whether they are animal or human. I'm just sorry that the same thing can't be said for some of the people who care only for people and no other living being.

HEYGwenCOG: Who appointed you to decide whether someone has any business owning animals?

These animal rights groups are concerned about how animals are treated but will turn their backs on a child living in thesame conditions. Strange how some people protect an animal before a child. I don't believe that animals should be mis-treated, but worry about the human animal first. There are alot of kids in this country that live in worse conditions rthan those dogs were living in and these groups have done nothing for them

Reading these comments helps me understand why the world is in the shape it's in. When we become so callous that we don't care about the suffering of ALL, animals and humans, then we ought to be ashamed. Are you people not aware that animals suffer pain and discomfort just like people do. I certainly think that taking care of humans is the number one priority, but if anyone posting on this board could pass by animals being abused or neglected to the point that these animals are and not feel a need to DO SOMETHING, then I worry about you. God created these animals and He has entrusted their care to man. Where is your spirit of kindness and empathy. Shame on you, and you know who you are.

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