ELLIJAY, Ga. – The scheduled protest to gather outside of the Gilmer County Courthouse on Friday, March 4, 2022, stretched out as some members traveled inside as well.

Shortly after arriving at 8 a.m. and then beginning the protest closer to 8:30 a.m., members of the event decided to split into two parties so that some could continue outside while others sat inside the arraignment hearings to follow the case against Susan Littlejohn and the Build An Ark Animal Rescue.

Protestors continued through the morning, even gaining a few who saw the protest and stopped to join for a bit as one of the three major organizers of the protest, Ernie Taylor, said he was very excited for the response he was seeing despite the protest being planned rather last-minute.

Numerous times, these protestors received honks, yells, and thumbs up from passing vehicles showing support. Overall, the event saw over 30 protestors between the inside and outside. Taylor said that many of those protesting had once volunteered for Build An Ark, but have now taken to marching against the animal rescue and what they are calling “cruelty.”

Taylor spoke about efforts in 2017 when he and others attempted to raise awareness on the issue. At the time, he received communications from an attorney including cease and desist letters.

Now, Taylor said in the early morning that he was committed and already thinking of another protest if the case went to trial. Later Friday afternoon, that thought of if changed to when as the official “not guilty” plea was spread among protestors and other interested parties. Taylor hopes to have more present for the May 11, 2022, court case date.

Protestors gathered along the square in Downtown Ellijay with homemade signs and matching shirts to protest against Build An Ark.

The protestors have not been told to stop this time, instead more and more are joining the cause. Cheryl Flanagan was once a volunteer at the Build An Ark animal rescue. Having taken a goat and two sheep, Flanagan said she was able to help the sheep recover, but not the goat. In the process of trying to apply for a sanctuary permit, Flanagan said she has land near her home that could be used to care for animals like those at Build An Ark, but is still in the process.

She went on to say that she had volunteered for years at the rescue but was not aware for much of the time as she would offer food and help at other locations before Gilmer’s Build An Ark. Flanagan noted that she joined the protests after seeing some of the things for herself and seeing photos of animals in the barn.

Taylor said it’s about accountability and being held responsible. With other rescues and citizens having already taken animals and others on stand-by waiting to take the rest. Taylor stated, “I would hope that Coosawattee would follow through now and make sure that she’s evicted. Obviously, from a humane perspective, that she can find a suitable home… and the animals go to proper care.”

Some spoke to the future of the location and continue work with a proper animal rescue at the location of Build An Ark. But talks have not reached that point as the case is still ongoing. Taylor noted during the protest that they have not reached out to anyone one the Coosawattee Board or the County Board of Commissioners and have not yet been invited to speak with any of them.

The county is involved, however, as Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka has helped with and taken several animals on the location. But its not just the county but also individual citizens like Flanagan and owners of other rescues that have also taken animals, rescues like Jennifer Criteser’s J&C Farm and Rescue in Blue Ridge, Georgia,  who took several rabbits from Build An Ark.

Criteser spoke about the animals themselves, having heard about Build An Ark through the Rescue community. Criteser said she hopes for help for the animals and Littlejohn more than anything. Looking at more than rabbits, Criteser is looking to take a few birds and guinea pigs as well from Build An Ark. Criteser said, “I want to take whatever I can to give a happy home and rehabilitate and maybe adopt out so they have good forever homes.”

Arraigned on two counts of animal abuse and two counts of animal cruelty, the case is set to go before the Magistrate Judge on May 11, 2022.