Leitchfield Animal Shelter volunteer Lindsey Shaffar said Babette is not an aggressive animal. She loves to play with adults and children. Her favorite pasttime is playing ball.
Since Feb. 24, the Grayson County Animal Shelter has been inundated with calls of support and donations from all across the nation.
Needless to say the shelter, located at 213 William Thomason Byway, is starting to feel the effects of a caring nation coming together in support.
After the story broke last week, the shelter has been busy trying to implement proper security measures for the animals. Volunteers are looking into purchasing a security system for the grounds, and getting as many animals into foster care while the transition is taking place.
During an interview on February 26, volunteer Bettye Lane explained the nature of events that took place on Wednesday of that week.
Lane said a dog at the shelter was barricaded in the main office of the building, and had attacked and killed two cats.
“Blood was everywhere,” Lane said. “It was just rubble in here. Two cages were down on the floor. Two dead cats were found with two chairs placed in front of the door. They put the dog in here where she could not get out, to attack the cats and kill them, which she did.”
She added that four or five dogs, also living at the shelter, were let out of their cages. The animals were found to be running around outside when the city worker arrived.
Lane also said an undetermined amount of petty cash was stolen from the main office.
Volunteer Lindsey Shaffar wanted to stress the importance of keeping the area secure until the perpetrator, who broke into the building, was caught.
“People can foster some of our animals,” Shaffar explained, “take them in and let them live with them until the security system is put in. The Humane Society of the United States is also offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the persons involved. We have also gotten donations from people, mostly out of state, and some people in town have offered to foster. It is becoming a big support group.”
Shaffar also discussed the current status of Babette, the boxer who was involved in the cat killings. She assured that the dog is very docile, and good with adults and kids.
“She was not assaulted, as far as we know,” Shaffar mentioned. “She did have lacerations, but we think that was from the cats. She is a great dog with people. I have two dogs at home that would kill a cat, if given the chance. The dog just happened to be in that first inside run. Whoever this was just wanted to see something hurt and killed.”
Anyone who wants to be of assistance during this time can contact the animal shelter by phone at 270-230-8839.
This is the second time in the past year the shelter has been broken into. On March 2, 2009 someone released numerous pit bulls from the facility.
Shaffar was working that day that the first incident happened.
“Someone broke in and let four of the pit bulls loose,” Shaffar said. “One of the coonhounds was loose also, but we are not for sure that he did not let himself out. I think they wanted to see the pit bulls fight. From what we could tell, they did not come into the main building though.”
Persons with information about either case are urged to contact the Leitchfield Police Department by phone at 270-259-3850. All information will be kept confidential.
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