My fiancee and I have 2 kitties and 1 puppy from the Martin County Animal Shelter that need good homes. There are also a lot of animals still at the shelter -- most are planned to be gassed and then incinerated this coming Saturday (September 27th). To the best of my knowledge, all of the animals come with a bit of food if you adopt them.

Gzusfrk's sister runs the Moratoc Humane Society out of her house in Williamston. Thus we can arrange transportation to the Raleigh area for any of these animals, or, if you wish, we can put you in contact with her so you can visit them yourself. She can also give you a more complete rundown of information for a particular animal -- although many are dropped off without a backstory. Many people in the Williamston/Martin County area aren't particularly nice to pets and see them as disposable.

If you want ANY of these animals, PLEASE shoot me or Gzusfrk a message and we'll get back to you! There is usually a $50 adoption fee straight from the Martin County Animal Shelter, but that can be waived if you get the animals through the Moratoc Humane Society. The adoption fee is there to make sure the animal is going to someone who can afford to keep a pet. However, donations to the Moratoc Humane Society are always appreciated -- they help pay for food/shelter, transportation, upkeep, etc. The only time a fee is required is if the dog has already been to a foster home, because that means they've already had their shots and all that.


Keep in mind that these pets are from the most basic of animals shelters, so it would be impossible for us to know the background or vaccination history (if they have any) for every animal. If they have been given any vaccines by the Humane Society, we will let you know. If not, it is your responsibility.


If you want more/better pictures of a particular animal, let me know and I'll see what I can do. Sorry for the poor quality shots, all I had was my flash since we visited after sundown.



Contestant #1: Small black female puppy, maybe ~6 weeks old, 3.5lbs. We have temporarily named her Frankie.
She unfortunately sat in some red ants a few days ago so her underside is in the process of healing. She had her claws trimmed last night, she was also given deworming medication and was de-flea'd. She's very sweet and friendly, and from what we can tell, seems to be crate-trained but not housebroken. She's also pretty good about not whining in her crate after the first few minutes.


This is a size comparison shot; our cat next to her is maybe a year old. She seemed to get along fine with the cat.




Contestant #'s 2 and 3: Small black and orange male kittens, between 7-8 weeks old, from the same litter. The black one is Carter and the orange one is Finley. You can blame Gzusfrk for the names.
Both are fairly skittish although they've been warming up to us since last night. Both have had their claws trimmed and were dewormed and de-flea'd. Both seem to be good at using the litterbox, and are extra cute. If they can go together, wonderful -- but not required.

A shot of them from the animal shelter:


A shot from last night:



Contestant #4: Small grey/white female kitten, very skittish, currently at Gzusfrk's sister's garage. She would probably do best in a 'one-cat home' due to how skittish she is. Very adorable, but takes a bit to warm up to you.




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of these animals are still currently at the shelter!! The inside building is filled up first and then the latest ones go outside.

Here's the outside shelter:


The inside where the cats go -- between the gassing machine and the incinerator. The bins off to the right are full of the bones of previous tenants...



3 kittens and one mama cat, all in the same cage. Obviously the 2 black/white kittens are from the mama, and we're not sure about the orange kitty in the back but we think they're all from the same litter. Very docile.








Outside -- first is a black lab. The previous owners said that he was "too rowdy" and it was too much trouble to deal with it plus kids, so it was dropped off at the shelter. This dog was completely docile while we were there.





I'm not sure of breeds for the rest of these...





Inside the shelter:
This dog was possibly abused.



3 dogs:



1 dog:



3 dogs - the one standing is a Husky mix. It was in a foster home and had a perfect temperament but the dog already there didn't get along with it, so back to the shelter it came...



2 dogs:



There's actually one more -- looks like a black lab but with longer shaggier hair. Not sure how I missed getting a picture.

[Edited on September 20, 2008 at 3:47 PM. Reason : fixed image tag]

9/20/2008 3:43:55 PM

this

is appalling living conditions

9/20/2008 4:13:19 PM

It was a million times worse the last time we were there (late July). That's how we got our cat Max. Now there are volunteers who come in and clean for the cats. This is what they were caged in before, Max had been in there almost a week without food or water:


The guy who runs the shelter doesn't allow the cats any food or water while they're there. The dogs get a good supply of water, but they may or may not get food. The ones that are outside are completely open to the elements. Frankie (the puppy posted above) was outside last night, shivering when we got there, with no way of retaining body heat. My sister and her other volunteers go daily to check up on them and feed them, but there's not much else they are able to do, other than find them homes. Teri has six dogs of her own, is fostering four dogs, owns a cat, and is fostering a kitten. When we went in July, we let Max (the cat in the picture) out and tried to just get him to run away, but he ended up getting in the car and coming home.

That picture is a prime example of why we couldn't leave without doing anything.

[Edited on September 20, 2008 at 4:19 PM. Reason : ]

9/20/2008 4:18:38 PM

Quote :

"The guy who runs the shelter doesn't allow the cats any food or water while they're there. The dogs get a good supply of water, but they may or may not get food. The ones that are outside are completely open to the elements. Frankie (the puppy posted above) was outside last night, shivering when we got there, with no way of retaining body heat. My sister and her other volunteers go daily to check up on them and feed them, but there's not much else they are able to do, other than find them homes."

Call animal control? I mean that isn't a shelter so much as a prison. I realize that if animal control got involved they might just be placed in another shelter to be euthanized, but that's got to be better than starving or freezing to death.

9/20/2008 5:32:53 PM

That's what my instincts said, but Teri is in kind of a bind. She's the only person allowed a key (other than the owner) and she gets free reign over the place and can take whatever animals out she wants. The only catch is she can't badmouth him to the authorities.

Furthermore, this is Williamston we're talking about. It's not uncommon for people to mistreat, neglect, or abandon their animals. After hunting season, shelters are overrun with hound dogs, because their owners would rather buy more next season, than pay the expense of feeding the ones they already have.

9/20/2008 5:54:08 PM

^I find the trading in hunting dogs thing very hard to believe. A good hound is pricey and it takes a lot of time and effort to properly train one the way you want it.

9/20/2008 6:29:18 PM

Let's not turn this into an argument -- I'm just trying to find homes for these animals.

9/20/2008 6:30:43 PM

Quote :

"I mean that isn't a shelter so much as a prison."

9/20/2008 6:44:45 PM

thank you for helping these animals.

I would suggest posting this on Craigslist.
http://www.raleigh.craigslist.com

Volunteers atWake County, Franklin county, Harnett County and Columbus County post pictures of the adoptable pets on craigslist every week. I've rescued around 70 dogs and puppies from Franklin County and Harnett county and found many homes through CL.

The conditions at the old Franklin County AC weren't much better. I've heard their new facility is much nicer. It's heartbreaking to walk into an animal control center and see animals like this, to pick the ones you will save and give a second chance knowing that those you leave behind will be put down.

[Edited on September 20, 2008 at 6:59 PM. Reason : f]

9/20/2008 6:58:09 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, we'll definitely do that.

This is the first time we've fostered any pets, any tips or suggestions you would pass along? I know you've got a ton of experience with this!

9/20/2008 7:04:43 PM

WHO WANTS THESE DOGS?
(and kitties?!)

9/20/2008 11:37:06 PM

Jesus, I looked up where Martin County was and now I see why they're in such conditions.

I want at least half of those dogs. Can't adopt any though, sorry. Not a homeowner yet and couldn't provide for the pet anyway. Actually, I kind of want that gray kitten too, and I'm allergic as hell to cats. Those deplorable conditions make those animals all the more adorable.

This thread is pulling at my heart strings. Somebody save those animals.

9/20/2008 11:48:30 PM

Quote :

"This thread is pulling at my heart strings. Somebody save those animals."

You don't know the half of it...
We were there a few weeks ago and they had some gorgeous dogs...it's sad to think that every one of them (if they weren't adopted out, and chances are they weren't) was gassed and then incinerated 3 days after we left. Why? Mostly because people in this area think of animals as disposable toys -- fun to have when they act nice, but easy to toss out on the street the instant they are no longer wanted, or they've aged out of being "cute".


The bones of the previous dogs/cats sitting next to all the gassing machines just makes it creepier.

[Edited on September 20, 2008 at 11:55 PM. Reason : ]

9/20/2008 11:54:01 PM

We've found a home for Frankie the puppy! Any more takers?

9/21/2008 3:38:02 PM

freaking
beautiful
dog

one day i will get one more big dog to go with my other big dog outside (which would put me at 4 dogs )
but i have the means to take care of them, just not the time to add an extra one right now.
next year about this time will be the time ill get him or her.

and i will look into this place.

good luck

9/21/2008 3:44:21 PM

According to this posting on Craigslist there's a purebred male German Shepard puppy at the Harnett County Animal Shelter, scheduled to be put down on Wednesday.

I don't mind fostering it, if we can get a home for the two kitties and puppy by Tuesday at 4pm...





[Edited on September 21, 2008 at 7:43 PM. Reason : ]

9/21/2008 7:42:59 PM

that "shelter" is terrible

[Edited on September 21, 2008 at 8:03 PM. Reason : clarification]

9/21/2008 8:02:34 PM

awwwwwwwwwww

9/21/2008 8:04:27 PM

You should seriously consider contacting North Shore Animal League. They have a long history of coming to other States to come rescue animals put in shitty conditions like this and adopting them out in New York. Worse case they could say no but if you tell them everything you told us they might be able to help.

http://www.nsalamerica.org/

9/21/2008 8:44:15 PM

Whoops, I forgot the link for the German Shepard puppy...

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/pet/849778161.html

9/21/2008 9:56:01 PM

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH that puppy is too damn adorable.

I want to adopt that pup now, but again, no luck. Threads like these seriously have me considering rescuing an animal, haha. I dunno where I'd end up putting 120 lbs of male german shepherd though.

I'm sure that dog will get rescued though. Purebreds are worth a lot (an odd thing to factor when rescuing a dog, but still), and puppies are usually adopted first. Plus he's DAMNED ADORABLE.

9/21/2008 10:44:49 PM

I hate people.

That is not a shelter. At all.

He deserves to be reported to the authorities; record your phone calls/correspondence, and be prepared to escalate to the state level.

I have a hard time believing that this is a licensed/authorized/whatever shelter. Whether it is or not, in name, is irrelevant, because all it is is a torture/holding chamber. All these animals would seriously be better off trying to fend on their own in the wild. (now, the new animals created by this is another issue )

Quote :

"That's what my instincts said, but Teri is in kind of a bind. She's the only person allowed a key (other than the owner) and she gets free reign over the place and can take whatever animals out she wants. The only catch is she can't badmouth him to the authorities."

This is him playing on her love for animals, to get her to do some of the work that needs to be done, and not getting reported. Call him on his shit.

9/21/2008 11:11:13 PM

If we had the means of keeping a dog like that long term, we'd snatch him up in a heart beat. Charles has always wanted German Shepherds.

9/21/2008 11:11:56 PM

A few shots today of what we believe to be the white puppy in the outside cages.

9/22/2008 6:01:23 PM

Grey kitten has found a home!

9/22/2008 7:28:55 PM

i agree with ambrosia1231 whole heartedly on this.

9/22/2008 7:31:34 PM

And the orange and white kitten at the shelter has a home, thanks to redwlfgirl.

We're making a trip to Williamston tomorrow if anyone wants anything else!

9/22/2008 8:39:15 PM

I posted about the kittens we're fostering on Craigslist, but it was flagged and removed. Any idea why that would happen?

9/22/2008 9:13:09 PM

what exactly did you post? (word for word) if you have an acct, go in and copy it from there


[Edited on September 22, 2008 at 9:23 PM. Reason : ]

9/22/2008 9:22:12 PM

"Kittens Free to Good Home"

We have two brothers looking for a good home. We would prefer they go together, but are willing to separate if necessary.

They are about 8 weeks old and very playful. Both are litter box trained, have been dewormed, and are free of fleas. They get along well with each other and with gentle puppies.

They have not had their first shots, so there is NO adoption fee, to a good home. They are rescue kittens. The first picture is from the animal shelter, the second is from our home.

And then I attached the two pictures of Carter and Finley.

9/22/2008 9:29:40 PM

What section did you post it?

[Edited on September 22, 2008 at 9:45 PM. Reason : aha]\

I went looking for the age guidelines for adopting out pets, and found your flag help post

[Edited on September 22, 2008 at 9:45 PM. Reason : asd]

9/22/2008 9:41:10 PM

Yep! I've gotten some quick responses from them. It was definitely posted in the pet section.

Apparently either because we aren't certain of age (which is impossible since they're from a shelter) or because people think we're just getting rid of them instead of reading the post and realizing they're foster!

9/22/2008 9:47:07 PM

Craigslist suggestions - make sure you mention where you got them from. People are quick to flag off ads for puppies/kittens that they think resulted from irresponsible owners (people letting their animals reproduce). NOT that you are but it's critical to state that they are rescues and that you saved them. Do not use the term "foster" - then the flaggers will get pissy that the animals aren't up to date on vaccines and spayed/neutered.
Perhaps include that you will be "screening potential homes" or checking vet references and new owners must commit to getting the animal fixed.
Don't post the same ad more than once in one day. If it gets flagged off - wait 24 hrs and repost.

There are some flag happy, self-rightous bored people on craigslist who think it's their job to decide what posts can stay up on craigslist. It's ridiculous.

9/22/2008 10:02:13 PM

Thanks for the tips! I'll repost tomorrow (I think we may have found a home for Finley) and hopefully will be successful!

9/22/2008 10:05:25 PM

^^ Yeah, it's true, but to be fair it does keep some of the sections free of awful clutter and BS. Each section is policed differently. I'd say based on the description there, your ad got dropped way too quickly. If you look in the cars & trucks section though (for sale), you'll see a ton of vehicles that read something like "2006 Nissan Maxima $3481" and don't feature a phone number (just an email address). Those are the scam ads that some of these self-righteous folks flag the piss out of, and whenever an advert pops up that fits the pattern of the previous scam posts they'll flag it until it's gone. Best thing to do is just to change the description and make sure it sounds less generic (but I think y'all got that down by now <_< ).

9/22/2008 10:57:32 PM

Looks like someone snagged that German Shepherd puppy. Yay!!

9/23/2008 11:58:19 AM

This needs to be reported to the NC animal Welfare team. This absolutely unacceptable!!!!! I can give you their contact information if you would like it. In fact, I am thinking about emailing my boss, the state vet, about this.

Thank you for saving these animals.

9/23/2008 12:56:24 PM

I'd get another dog if my backyard was larger than 200sqft.

9/23/2008 4:40:53 PM

^^I called the dept of ag yesterday and got a phone number for someone to call; alas, I have either been at the courthouse or work all day.

I still don't know how to best go about reporting this.

9/23/2008 4:50:34 PM

I'd love any contact information you guys might have. I've been trying to do a little research in my free time on what the NC statutes might be concerning animal shelters.

It looks like the NC Gen. Stat. says

Quote :

"§ 19A-35. Penalty for failure to adequately care for animals; disposition of animals. Failure of any person licensed or registered under this Article to adequately house, feed, and water animals in his possession or custody shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor, and such person shall be subject to a fine of not less than five dollars ($5.00) per animal or more than a total of one thousand dollars ($1,000). Such animals shall be subject to seizure and impoundment and upon conviction may be sold or euthanized at the discretion of the Director and such failure shall also constitute grounds for revocation of license after public hearing. (1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1217, s. 16; 1999-408, s. 4.)"

Quote :

"§ 19A-36. Penalty for violation of Article by dog warden. Violation of any provision of this Article which relates to the seizing, impoundment, and custody of an animal by a dog warden shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor and the person convicted thereof shall be subject to a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) and not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00), and each animal handled in violation shall constitute a separate offense. (1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1217, s. 17; 1993, c. 539, s. 317; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)"

So, he gets fined, he's paid by the state, so it comes out of taxpayer money, and the animals are seized and possibly euthanized. It's kind of a catch 22. Report it and they shut down the shelter and don't have anywhere to go and are euthanized. Or don't report it report it, and they're neglected and not cared for, but may eventually find homes. Apparently the law was recently changed to allow a lot of leeway to operators of animal shelters. They no longer have to be "adequately clean" just "cleaned." Which probably means this guy is following the basest form of the law, as despicable as he is.

I'd love to find an option that benefits the pets.

[Edited on September 23, 2008 at 5:13 PM. Reason : ]

9/23/2008 5:02:23 PM

They recently shut down a "no kill" shelter which was actually a hoarder. The animals that were ok to save were transported to rescues. I will privately send you some information. Just when you talk to the Animal Welfare people it is best to not come across irate! Many people think they need to go into this with their boxing gloves on and I think that does more damage than good.

9/24/2008 10:12:16 AM

^ I definitely agree. The last thing I want to do is create a situation that is worse for the animals. Thanks for the information.


UPDATE: We've found a home for the black lab!!!

[Edited on September 24, 2008 at 11:43 AM. Reason : ]

9/24/2008 11:39:23 AM

^ Wow that's good news. I was seriously torn up about the black lab.



P.S. that gold and white cat is now named Penny. At least we think she's a girl.

9/24/2008 1:09:37 PM

Hey, I hope that cat works out for you. Let me know if I can ever do anything for you, especially regarding the kitty...

9/24/2008 1:48:38 PM

This is a good thing you guys are doing. Every animal deserves a good home.

9/24/2008 9:23:46 PM

I can't adopt, but I'd like to pitch in if it will be usefull


Were making a trip to Raleigh from the obx, and we pass right through williamston. We'll be leaving friday night/saturday morning if anyone needs to have one brought to them

pm me

9/24/2008 11:13:45 PM

We might take you up on that actually. We've got to get the Black lab to Greensboro. We could take him from Raleigh to Greensboro easily. I am not sure when we'll make the transport, but I'll get back to you on that.

9/24/2008 11:18:17 PM

Bump to save the animals.

And also to update: the previously-named Penny turned out to be a male at herhis vet visit this morning. So he's now named Teddy Lupin.

9/25/2008 11:29:04 AM

^Aww I love that name! I also really like orange male cats.

9/25/2008 12:11:03 PM

can you post the email address for this motherfucker
i have some kind words for this asshole

9/25/2008 1:02:27 PM