The District Attorney Speaks Out About Woman Arrested After Housing Animals During Florence
Recently, we told you about a woman in North Carolina who took in animals in her community as Florence approached the Carolinas.
We also informed you that the woman, Tammie Hedges, was arrested over the weekend for sheltering animals in an unregistered shelter, in addition to administering medication to some of the animals — Without a license to do so.
Now, the District Attorney has spoken out about the case.
According to WFMY, the case drew national attention — With over ten thousand people signing a petition online asking that the charges be dropped.
Upon arrest, Tammie faced 12 charges due to the unlawful practice of veterinary medicine.
In a recent statement, District Attorney Matthew Delbridge said that after determining the animals are now in the right hands, he will drop the criminal charges against Hedges. However, she could still face disciplinary action from the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board.
Delbridge also said he felt Hedges took advantage of the community by asking for monetary donations, in addition to medication — When registered shelters in the area were still open and not at capacity.
Earlier we reported:
According to CBS News, Hedges has been arrested and has been charged with practicing veterinary medicine, without the needed license to do so.
Hedges, along with members of her organization, Crazy’s Claws n Paws, housed 27 animals during the hurricane.
Then, last week, they received strongly worded communication from animal services in Wayne County, that stated the group must surrender the animals or they would issue a warrant to seize the pets.
Hedges complied, but the charges filed extend beyond just housing animals without the shelter being registered.
The woman admitted to administering an antibiotic to some of the pets, in addition to an ointment.
Furthermore, authorities said she also requested a donation of a popular painkiller prescribed to animals while housing the pets.
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