8 staffers, including former vet, charged in Columbus animal shelter probe (2024)

By WTVM News Staff

Published: Sep. 30, 2024 at 1:21 PM EDT|Updated: Oct. 1, 2024 at 4:57 PM EDT

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Eight employee arrests have been made in connection with the ongoing investigation into Columbus Animal Care & Control.

The city council initiated the months-long investigation earlier this summer in response to numerous social media complaints and widely circulated videos alleging animal cruelty.

“It’s disappointing, I would say, but I look forward to their day in court to make sure we hear all the information,” said Isaiah Hugley, Columbus City Manager.

The 3 month long leads to a total of 34 felony and misdemeanor charges combined filed against current and former shelter employees.

1. Dr. Henry Hall | Veterinarian

  • False statements and writings; concealment of facts
  • 1st-degree forgery

2. Canita Hardnett-Johnson | Manager

  • Theft by deception
  • False statements and writings
  • Animal cruelty
  • Euthanasia
  • Violation of oath
  • Disposal of deceased animals

3. Contreana Pearson | Admin Coordinator

  • Animal cruelty
  • Euthanasia
  • Disposal of deceased animals
  • Violation of oath

4. Alexander Pimentel | Lieutenant

  • Euthanasia
  • Leaving animals unattended
  • False Statements and writings
  • Disposal of deceased animals
  • Violation of oath

5. Tennile Toliver | Corporal

  • False statements and writings
  • Violation of oath

6. James Elliot | Officer

  • False statements and writings
  • Violation of oath

7. Alizabeth Rodriguez | Officer / Kennel Staff

  • 2nd-degree-forgery
  • False statements and writings
  • Euthanasia (Unauthorized Personnel)
  • Violation of Oath

8. Phillip Copeland | Officer

  • Failure to Scan for Microchips

“We remain committed to transparency and accountability as we move forward with this matter,” Councilwoman Toyia Tucker said. “If you actually have standard operating procedures and you have clear and concise policies, there’s no need for our employees to be in this type of predicament.”

With the exception of Copeland, all other employees are facing felony charges.

During a Tuesday afternoon press conference, the city announced it is negotiating with Paws Humane Society for an emergency purchase of Columbus Animal Care & Control and all its services.

Despite the arrests, some animal advocates want more answers. One at Tuesday’s conference wanted to know why the city manager or public works manager didn’t know about the alleged malpractice happening at CACC.

Hugley’s answer:

“CCG is a large organization and there may be occurrences in departments that we’re not aware of and when we find out about them we have a responsibility to do something about them. So, I don’t claim to know everything that goes on down in the ranks of the government, but I have a responsibility when I found out, or we found out...we’re going to act.”

That answer is one co-founder of Columbus Animal Allies, Allie Johnson says is a problem. She says the city has a staffing issue.

“When you have people at the top putting the wrong people in the job then those people are putting the wrong people in the job, then you have a cascade effect and I believe that’s what’s happening at animal control,” said Johnson.

Johnson hardly misses a chance to be on the public agenda at city council meetings. She’s one of several advocates who constantly present mistreatment at CACC before councilors.

“We known for years, so to finally see being done and people being held accountable for these actions that have been going on for way too long, it’s a good feeling to see that. I mean this is not an ideal way that you want to see change and I’m sad for our city that it had to come to this, but given the inaction from some aspects of city government, the mayor, city manager for so long, I guess it had to be done this way. If it had to well then I’m happy to see justice finally being done for these animals and justice for Chai,” said Johnson.

What Johnson and other advocates have done is something Tucker says everyone should try to do.

“That’s what you’re supposed to do as a citizen, this is your city and we work for you. So they have done everything that they’re supposed to do in that role as an animal advocate,” said Tucker.

Columbus police say there could be more arrests coming, but right now in their investigation, they can’t confirm if there are more to be made.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Key Columbus animal shelter staff on leave during police probe
Key Columbus animal shelter staff on leave during police probe
Columbus Animal Care and Control to temporarily close due to Parvovirus exposure
Police launch probe into Columbus animal shelter complaints
Columbus Animal Control grilled at city council meeting

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8 staffers, including former vet, charged in Columbus animal shelter probe (2024)
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