Caroline and her pups, face death today
Ernest Dempsey — Getting protective of pups and warning strangers not to come close can be a crime in North Carolina, and a female dog may pay the price for this with her life as well as that of her pups.
Caroline is a pit bull mom that, along with her small pups, faces impending death in Rutherfordton, North Carolina (NC), in less than 24 hours because the shelter holding her considers her dangerous, though there is no report of any aggression except ‘growling’ at people who try to get close to her pups.
Caroline was surrendered to the Rutherfordton Shelter in NC by her owner along with the pups and she, as a normal dog does, growled at shelter staff that tried to get close to her with the small pups around her. As if taking offense at this normal behavior, the dog was at once labeled dangerous and put on the death row. The shocking part was that the pups were also ‘sentenced’ to death along with her. When contacted by a caring dog lover to ask what why the death penalty for this entire canine family, the shelter’s arrogant reply was that they were going to kill them because they had decided so!
Today’s the last day of helpless Caroline’s life and that of her small pups. No reason is being given by the shelter which has the authority to play with lives using the most dangerous label known as ‘dangerous dog’. The shelter in question has even refused to let a dog rescue save the dog family. In simple terms, the death sentence is obtrusively sadistic and heartlessly blind to revision.
Since when has a mom’s warning to keep people away from her kids become a crime in this world, few would be able to tell. What we do tell from this case in view is that shelters like Rutherfordton in North Carolina have an inexplicable authority to kill innocent animals despite the availability of rescues that can save the dogs and care for them. The only power to stop this killing today, and others like this in future, is people’s power. A facebook page has already been created asking public to appeal to the authorities against the impending execution of Caroline and her pups.
Update:
Sources tell that the shelter in question is ready to cooperate only if the person in charge of the situation, the county’s sherrif allows it. However, Lieutenant Godlock, the county’s sheriff, is bent on not releasing the mom dog, though the pups are likely to be released even if the mom dog is put down for having a history of aggression prior to being surrendered to the shelter. With less than 2 hours to save this dog family, immediate legal intervention is needed to save Caroline to be with her pups – alive.
Note: Caring readers of this post can still save the life of the dog family by calling the Acting City Manager’s office at 828-287-6405 or emailing bill.eckler@rutherfordcountync.gov as well as contacting local and national media to feature this story soon as possible.
Shelters are a stressful, scary environment for dogs in a normal situation. This mama has little ones. Just look at her face! She’s absolutely terrified! We all know what this is about, even if the shelter tries to deny it. Caroline is of a bully breed and they are more difficult to adopt out (because of the media and the ignorant, gullible people who buy into the propaganda). That translates to one strike against her and her pups right at intake! It’s more convenient for them to just label her aggressive, murder her and her babies and free up space for more ‘adoptable’ canines. THIS IS SICK AND IGNORANT AND IT NEEDS TO STOP!!!
You are absoultely right! Whats wrong with these people? sorry but you can’t convince me they love animals there, anyone that doesn’t have a problem killing a protective mother and her innocent babies shouldn’t have any contact with animals.
Very well said Carla. I totally agree. Those people are so ignorant.
Disgusting and ignorant. But what do you expect for North Carolina?
Amen.
I think that blanket statement about North Carolina was uncalled for. I live here and love it. Unfortunately the laws are bad, but don’t assume that all the people here agree with them, or that there are not hundreds, no thousands, of people trying to get these laws and practices changed. One look at the government and you can see proof of laws made against the people’s wishes…
Jayson, Hold on.I live in N.C. I found this disgusting also. I called the number listed, and was directed to another number. No one will answer,so I emailed them. Our local shelter makes pictures and they post them on facebook.They do everything possible to find these kids homes. If people would only spay/neuter we wouldn’t have this problem.There’s bad people in every state,and there’s also caring folks that try to save as many animals as we can.
A friend of mine was just asked to foster a mama pit with her newborn litter of 10. The shelter said she was very aggressive but let her go anyway because they know it is just a stressful situation for the dog. In a home environment, this new mom is the sweetest pit ever and she will let anyone handle her babies. Of course, Connecticut is much different than NC… The ignorance baffles me.
I don’t believe any one state has a monopoly on ignorance. It’s abundant everywhere.
Thank you.
I have lived 10 years (as an adult)in the south, GA & NC. I have lived 30 years in New England. I have rescued for 21 years. Ignorance is not abundant everywhere. It is abundant in the south and the midwest. There are many wonderful rescue people, and animals lovers, in both areas. However, they are sadly outnumbered by the ignorant people.
any dog that is in a shelter is under stress, some handle it better then others . this mom & her babies is no different. she’s protecting her babies like you or anyone else would & humans arent labeled as aggressive , yet this dog is. she’s not aggressive , she’s just watching over her little ones like a mom would do .
I am shocked that a shelter is not more well versed on ALL breeds of animals. I am so tired of seeing stories saying “Pit Bull” – why is this breed such a scary breed. They are the most loving and only strive to please. If all of these people who are so scared of a Pit Bull took the time to “truly” understand this animal they will know this breed does not have a mean bone inside – it is PEOPLE who make animals aggressive, fighters etc. These animals are here to co-exist not kill or be killed. A terrible stereotype that MUST be broken once and for all. Enough already…
I am shocked that a shelter is not more well versed on ALL breeds of animals. I am so tired of seeing stories saying Pit Bull why is this breed such a scary breed. They are the most loving and only strive to please. If all of these people who are so scared of a Pit Bull took the time to truly understand this animal they will know this breed does not have a mean bone inside it is PEOPLE who make animals aggressive, fighters etc. These animals are here to co exist not kill or be killed. A terrible stereotype that MUST be broken once and for all. Enough already.
I am shocked that a shelter is not more well versed on ALL breeds of animals. I am so tired of seeing stories saying Pit Bull why is this breed such a scary breed. They are the most loving and only strive to please. If all of these people who are so scared of a Pit Bull took the time to truly understand this animal they will know this breed does not have a mean bone inside it is PEOPLE who make animals aggressive, fighters etc. These animals are here to co exist not kill or be killed. A terrible stereotype that MUST be broken once and for all. Enough already.
I am so saddened that people are very misconceived on this beautiful breed. A Pit Bull is such a loving animal. Animals should be trusted more than most people and people that think killing is the answer is certainly very troubled. How as a civilized world we find this to be acceptable is very sad. I would like to put these people in the same conditions that they expose all animals too. They will suffer in such a way just as the animals do and are. Shame on people for treating animals with no regard. I hope these babies and mama find a good and caring home.
This is absurd to me. Of course Caroline is going to protect her newborn litter in a foreign environment where even she is scared and unsure of what is going on. Heinous that a rescue is willing to take them (no need to adopt them out) and yet they still want to euthanize them anyway. Sick, sick, sick. What is WRONG with people?! The only “aggressive” animals I see here are the people running that damn shelter.
No wonder she’s protective,Caroline smells the dead in every corner of that place! Praying for you mama and pups!
i think the world has gone mad, what are you doing to this mom and her puppies, what do you expect of her , she is a careing mom , i hope you dont sleep at night , you call your selves human, i dont think so there are so many careing people a round and sorry to say you are not one of them.
This is crazy since when should a damn shelter be able to kill a momma doggie and her pups because she is growling at you come the hell on people get over you damn self’s so should we kill humans when they snap at you for being to close to their babies? nope dint think so.
I hope some one can change their minds and let her and her babies have a forever home and stop labeling dangerous when they haven’t done shit to any one.
Just cause she is a pit doesn’t mean she is dangerous. She was given up by her owner ( whom she knew and trusted) given to a place where its cold and people treat you badly because your a pit and your scared and trying to protect your babies. Wish I was closer cause I would take her.
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. – Mahatma Gandhi.
I’m from Mexico, and if we put this quote in action the USA isn’t such a great country for letting it’s people treat animals this way!! How shameful!!
I have raised many dogs in life.Most Dogs with baby’s may growl or even snap at a person.She is JUST being a protective Mom….She is only trying to get them babies safe from harm.My dogs were boxers.,and schazers.Get real people. She needs someone she can trust and it don’t sound like anyone there.
Please contact Rutherford County Board of Supervisors and hold them accountable for the questionable practices at the shelter. I have seen similar situations resolved in Virginia by bringing this to the attention of elected county officials. At least, a full investigation of the shelter needs to be made. I can’t imagine that this is a one-time practice.
I’m so disappointed with this place, they won’t send these pups else where that’s better and allow them a chance they’re just being as inhumane as all other animal abusers as they are gonna kill them for no real good reason. Other than this Caroline protecting her babies like and mummy would.
Why not give a 2nd chance, why not let this dog get over giving birth whynot rehab if there is a problem!
It’s horrid that they are just sticking their feet in & not moving just being ignorant!
sad!!!
please save them she is just scared and protecting her babies gave her time Please gave her time. What would you do in a strange place think about it.
Save Caroline and the pups PLEASE!!!! HAVE A HEART.
What is wrong with giving those puppies a 2nd chance? What is WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE IN N.C. ????? SO SAD that you are all SO BAD. Answer to the Big Guy IF you are chosen a spot up there. You cannot play God and do these awful things…..
Save the mom who was doing what came naturally to her. If those people would have paid attention to the owner, none of this would have happened.
I cannot believe NC would follow thru on this mom’s execution, and that is what it boils down too. So sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please don’t condemn her and her babies. She only did what most Mama’s do. Please let us help her and her babies. I promise we will do everything we can to do just that. Please have mercy and show compassion for these animals.
let the dog go losers in north carolina.you will rot in hell for killing these animals read you bibles and smarten up people.idiots in north carolina
She didn’t make it :*(
Is Thère any Update ón her and her babies? Im so worried!
I called the number to complain about the treatment of the dog and her pups, but they are no longer answering the phone. It is sad how we want to blame states and countries with the ignorance of a few people. I have seen animal crimes as well as people against people all over the country. This story is very sad…it is stereo typing against pits and has been going on all over the United States for many years. I am originally from Texas and now I live in North Carolina; every where they are stereo typed. My brother-n-law owns a Pit Bull and he will not let her out in his back yard alone in case she jumps the big wooden fence. He is worried about getting sued. My nephew breeds pits because they are good family dogs, good with children and productiveness is part of their nature when they feel threatened. We as a people need to stop the stereo typing.
protectiveness
Caroline is just protecting her babies like any mother would. Please please give her a chance. You are suppose to be animal lovers so please show compassion and do the right thing.
Caroline is just protecting her babies like any mother would. Please please give her a chance. You are suppose to be animal lovers so please show compassion and do the right thing.
Caroline is gone.
BACK IT UP BACK IT UP BACK IT UP KNOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WANT TO KILL THIS POOR BABY, JUST FOR PROTECTING HER PUPPY’S !!!!!! HER PUPPY’S !!!! THIS BABY DOESN’T KNOW ANY BETTER, SHE THINK’S HER SELF AND HER BABY’S ARE IN DANGER, OF COURSE SHE IS GOING TO GROWL, WHAT DO U EXPECT, HER NOT TO GROWL AND NOT TO PROTECT HER BABY’S !!!!!!!!!!! HOW DARE YOU PEOPLE THAT WANT TO KILL HER AND HER BABY’S
HOW DARE YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WOULD BE DOING THE SAME DAM THING TO, GROWLING TO PROTECT MY BABY’S, HECK. EVEN A HUMAN DOES AT TIME’S, I DON’T SEE A LAW GOING AROUND -OH WE GOTA KILL THE MOTHER AND THE MOTHER’S KID’S, CAUSE THE MOTHER GROWLING AT US !!!!- < I DON'T SEE THAT, OR I DON'T HEAR ABOUT THAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And YES I'M TICKED, Just Cause She GROWLED. To PROTECT Her BABY'S !!!!! Hang IN There Caroline, and You'r Baby's To HANG IN THERE !!!!!!
Another great day for humanity! We just called to take Caroline and her pups into rescue and they have already killed her. A mandatory spay/neuter for all companion animals would help avoid these situations but I can’t help believing that a mandatory spay/neuter for scum that abandon their animals and the officials that are so quick to kill would go even further. RIP Caroline – sorry mankind failed you.
sorry, for my first reply. But, I Am ticked off about this. And it’s not right, All she is or was trying to do. Was Protect her BABY’S that’s All, do you expect her not to growl or any animal not to growl ? Cause I know for a fact, that it will not happen, Even in People People it will not Happen we will even growl, if u get to close to our kid or kid’s too.
Again, all she was doing. Is PROTECTING Her baby’s and herself
THEY WHAT !!!!!!!!! SO, I TAKE BACK MY 2ND REPLY IN A WAY THEN !!!!!! IF THEY KILLED
Caroline and her puppies !!!!
HOW DARE U SICKO’S !!!! THAT DID THIS !!! < Her And Her Puppie's DID NOT Dersiver THIS !!!!
has anyone there thought of getting a court order to stop this as they did with Ace in Michigan until something can be worked out???
They murdered Caroline! No mommy for the puppies…
so are the puppies still alive then
Cause from the way I am reading it, It sound’s like Caroline (GOD BLESS YOU Carloine, for PROTECTING You’r BABY’S, There Was Nothing Nothing Wrong with THAT -BTW-) her and her puppie’s died 
Or am I miss understanding :/ and reading wrong < Sorry I have a learning problem in a way, and I guess cause of the way I am reading and and trying to understand, it's confusing me :/ And plus I am also going to have my Mom help me out with this INFO TO, Cause I Would LIKE To Know What Is going on, Cause if this can happen to a PIT BULL, This can happen to Any Dog then. That Which ISN'T RIGHT !! The Mommie, was just doing the right THING
Evil how dare they!!!
Should be able to take legal action against them for animal cruelty!!!!!!!!
Send this story on to the NC SPCA and also send your remarks to the Congressman for that area;
10th Congressional District
Patrick McHenry(R) Nov. 2012
Washington Office
224 Cannon House Office Builiding
Washington, DC 20515
Telephone: 202-225-2576
FAX: 202-225-0316
Shelby Regional Office
311 East Marion Street, Suite 119
P.O. Box 732
Shelby, NC 28151
Telephone: 704.481.0578
Fax: 704.481.0757
All we do now is scream disapproval and keep their name on lists of ‘high kill shelters’.
Send this story on to the NC SPCA and also send your remarks to the Congressman for that area;
10th Congressional District
Patrick McHenry(R) Nov. 2012
Washington Office
224 Cannon House Office Builiding
Washington, DC 20515
Telephone: 202-225-2576
FAX: 202-225-0316
Shelby Regional Office
311 East Marion Street, Suite 119
P.O. Box 732
Shelby, NC 28151
Telephone: 704.481.0578
Fax: 704.481.0757
All we do now is scream disapproval and keep their name on lists of ‘high kill shelters’.
RIP SWEET CAROLINE
These dogs are NO more dangerous than any other dog,its the owners, if you let irresponsible people adopt them then its your fault when something goes wrong,Please DO NOT MURDER these dogs,if you do then you are showing how ignorant you really are
THEY DID WHAT? KILLED A MOMMA DOG JUST BECAUSE SHE WAS PROTECTING HER BABIES!!! HOW SICK IS THAT? THAT WOULD BE LIKE KILLING A HUMAN FEMALE BECAUSE SHE WAS PROTECTING HER BABY FROM PEOPLE. THOSE PEOPLE NEED TO ANSWER FOR WHAT THEY DID AND THEY WILL WHEN GOD GETS A HOLD OF THEM. HE WILL NOT TAKE THEIR EXCUSES AT ALL. I AM WAITING FOR THAT DAY.
This is heartbreaking and completely irrational. However, I live in NC and I can tell you that not all people here are this ignorant. And, since someone mentioned a case in MI, does that mean that entire state is ignorant? Come on – I have worked with many others on getting changes made in the shelters and it’s happening. Yes, it’s ridiculous that we don’t have mandatory spay/neuter but even with that, sicko people will still surrender their dogs and that puts their lives in danger. If we want to make change, we need to work together, not downgrade each other.
As others have said labeling NC as ignorant is needless. I currently live in NC and decry way some animals are treated here. The shelter mentioned is one of the more egregious offenders in this area. There are ways for this treatment to stop either educate these shelter staff about animal behavior and stressors or close these shelters down and open no kill shelters with well trained staff. I volunteer at a no kill shelter run by a non profit that has a limited budget and relies on lots of volunteers- it is well run and our charges are well cared for and loved until they find their forever homes. It does not require a huge amount of money, but it does require caring, trained people!
North Carolina has many good people. The people angry and disgusted is due to the fact that it has many high kill shelters who need compassionate and educated people. What the shelter did is horrible and foe each person responsible I hope they are haunted everyday. Now get the pups in a pitbull rescue before it is late. Any animals even the human animal will protect their babies if someone seems dangerous or may harm them. ANY DOG OF ANY BREED WILL PROTECT THEIR YOUNG! North Carolina folks who care you need to push for help. Pa is as bad with the puppy mills and kill shelters and gassing. A woman got a local tv station to expose the gassing at the shelter. The very one I have tried for years to stop gassing. After the interview I know they are liars.
no reply other than God be with the pups
Sweet Caroline died today. She died because some people with apparent control issues decided to play God. That poor mommy dog paid the ultimate price for their insecurities. There was a group working to save her, but the legal system in NC let Sweet Caroline down. The group had all paperwork completed and sent to the attorney in NC but it went no further. A rescue was in place to take Sweet Caroline and funds had been raised to have her “aggression issues” evaluated and treated. For whatever reason, the attorney in NC dropped the ball and the people who work to “care for dogs” were able to kill her. This was a senseless act and I hope that Sweet Caroline’s legacy will live on to end future senseless acts of animal cruelty. Thank you Lexus Project for all you do to save these dogs. You certainly did your part to help Sweet Caroline. This was a complete senseless act and I hope that it sparks change to help other pups. Rest in peace Sweet Caroline.
Lazy brainless objectors that stopped this poor Caroline from getting a loving home. It didn’t go any further to help her because they did not want to be seen that they were wrong about her behaviour, but we already know they were a bunch of idiots that had no idea about dogs behaviour they didn’t have to go to the trouble of trying to cover it up. I don’t know how many times i’ve seen female dogs with their pups seen as aggresive for just growling and when rehomed they’ve been found to be the sweetest loving dogs. This bad news has absolutely sickend me
The pups are safe and are in a wonderful rescue. The pups will have a chance as they will be placed in good loving homes.
This story goes so much deeper than we originally knew and is a STRONG CRY for the US to wake up and realize that dogs are NOT property to be disposed of at the whim of the owner. He had been warned repeatedly by county officials that he was NOT handling Caroline properly. She had a history of aggression because he trained her this way. Then, when she had puppies and became PROTECTIVE (most likely trying to protect her babies from the person who had tortured her for her lifetime) he sent her & the pups away with the words “PUT THEM DOWN.” A battle began to save her life by The Lexus Project. Sadly, we lost Caroline. But her puppies live on and this is her legacy.
She leaves us with a powerful message and it needs to be heard. And please KNOW… this is NOT a Pit Bull issue. This is a DOG issue. Any dog that is trained to be aggressive will react this way. Caroline’s babies are healthy, robust and playful. SHE WAS A GOOD MOTHER!!! She loved her babies. Shed a tear for Caroline, but also BE HER VOICE. You can do that by sharing Mr. Dempsey’s story and by consistently demanding better laws for our companion animals. This is a tragedy that plays out over and over again, every day in the United States. Caroline is ONE. There are hundreds more that die every day without a voice. If Caroline’s story moves you, touches you, and can bring about positive change… her legacy will be far more than three babies left without a mother. Our anger and hurt can be changed into something positive – a fight for change.
THANK You EVERYONE, Those who put their words on here on behalf of the poor Mama Caroline, She really was only doing the normal thing in protection of her babies….there will never be justice for her.So we must keep the fight going for her!!! And thanks for the helpful words for the dogs….THANK You BETH For Stepping Up for CAROLINE AND THE PUPS…WE Will Fight THIS TOGETHER….THE CHANGE HAS TO COME NOW !!!