Additional charges against Build An Ark as other rescues continue taking animals
News April 5, 2022GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – With more seizures ordered from vets and additional charges coming against Build An Ark, two more animal rescues have stepped in to take animals in from the animal rescue outside of Coosawattee River Resort in Ellijay, Georgia. Posting photos of the animals and sharing stories about the animals they are receiving, these two rescues are also speaking out against what they are calling abuse and neglectful treatment.
With major action having begun in January of this year, more and more people are speaking publicly against Build An Ark. During the owners arraignment hearing on March 4, 2022, protestors gathered both inside and outside the Gilmer Courthouse in downtown Ellijay. Many of those protestors swore to continue action and public measures during the proceedings.
Now, additional animals are being taken from the location in April as both Waddle On Inn Rescue Inc., a rescue near Blue Ridge, Georgia, and TMMA Farms & Sanctuary, a rescue near Trion, Georgia, say they worked together to take ducks, a chicken, an alpaca, and two horses with plans to take more including at least a donkey. Waddle On Inn posted a statement saying, “We’ve been involved with this since Jan 12th. We have personally taken 26 animals to date.”
Additionally, both of these rescues have started fundraisers for feed and care for the newcomer animals. According to TMMA Farms, other rescues are also helping with animals they cannot. They have taken in the horses. They specifically noted Savethehorses.org and Flynn Fields Rescue, Inc who helped with a pig. Much of this extra help is needed, according to statements made on social media, because these two rescues specialize in certain animals. Waddle On Inn states that they are specifically a waterfowl rescue and TMMA Farms states they normally just rescue llamas and alpacas.
Both have made several posts vehemently admonishing the conditions they say that animals are being found in at Build An Ark. Citing only the animals they took, the noted an abscess on one horse along with a hoof infection, a growth that is likely cancerous in the eye of a horse, matts in wool and feathers, malnourishment, mites, possible leg injuries on the alpaca that causes her to be unable to stand or walk, and many others.
TMMA Farms has reported that the alpaca has slightly improved since the seizure, but is still fighting to be able to stand for more than 18 seconds at a time.
With the additional seizures and investigations, these rescues also claim that additional charges have been filed. FYN spoke with Animal Shelter and Animal Control Director Daniel Laukka who did confirm that he is in the process of reporting 10 additional citations to the courts.
Build An Ark owner Susan Littlejohn was arraigned on two counts of Animal Abuse and two counts of Animal Cruelty on March 4, 2022. The case is set to go before the Magistrate Judge on May 11, 2022. In speaking with a representative of the Magistrate Court, they stated that depending on what the charges are could influence if they are included in the same date or could require a separate hearing.
Additionally, reports say that other litigation is underway to evict Build An Ark from its current location on Coosawattee River Resorts property.
FOGAS hosting spay/neuter and vaccinations clinic this weekend
Community, News March 24, 2022ELLIJAY, Ga. – A spay/neuter day along with pet drive-through Vaccinations are being hosted this weekend through local organizations including FOGAS (Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter) and the Animal Medical Clinic of Jasper.
According to FOGAS Vice-President Sylvia Harris, the Spay and Neuter Clinic will be held tomorrow, Friday, March 25, 2022, while the Vaccination Clinic will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022.
The spay/neuter clinic requires certificates from supporters and is being held at the Animal Medical Clinic in Jasper, Georgia from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday’s vaccination clinic, however, will be held from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the parking lot behind the Chamber’s Downtown Welcome Center and welcomes everyone to show up. Offering Rabies, DHCPP, DHLPP, FeELUK/FVRCP, and Bordella vaccinations, the clinic is being sponsored by Dr. Chester & the Animal Medical Clinic of Jasper.
A portion of proceeds made from the vaccination clinic from the vaccinations, ranging from $10 to $20, will go to benefit Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter community programs.
Citizens protest Build An Ark in Downtown Ellijay
News March 5, 2022ELLIJAY, 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.
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.
Friday will see protest against Build An Ark in Ellijay
News March 2, 2022ELLIJAY, Ga. – With permits and permission completed, a group of citizens will be gathering this Friday Morning outside of the Gilmer County Courthouse in a planned protest against Build An Ark animal rescue.
Looking for a peaceful protest according to statements made, the group is gathering in the county parking lot next to the courthouse and behind the Gilmer Chamber Downtown Welcome Center.
According to Martha Cash, one of those who sparked the idea and initiated the protest, they planned the protest to line up with the arraignment of Susan Littlejohn, of Build An Ark, on animal cruelty charges.
Coosawattee has already terminated the rental contract for Build An Ark in February according to reports and Gilmer County’s Animal Control has taken animals from the facility. However, this is not the first time that Build An Ark has been investigated. Complaints and reports in 2017 saw the Department of Agriculture investigate allegations at the site. At that time, Sheriff Stacy Nicholson told FYN that cases like this are referred to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources as they are better equipped and better trained for such investigations.
The Department of Agriculture is once again involved this year as Build An Ark again faces allegations on animal cruelty. Vets have been onsite and forced relinquishment of animals in the rescue. Cash said that Gilmer County Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka has been “instrumental in getting most of the animals out.”
However, Linda Lowe, another of the organizers for Friday’s protest, said that eviction isn’t the end of the issue. She is pushing to remove the remainder of the animals from the facility. Lowe stated that there are three other rescue organizations looking to take the rest of the animals. Lowe volunteered at Build An Ark for four years and is setting the protest to send a message to the judge for Friday that she wants a prevention from any possibility for Susan to go somewhere else and start again.
Lowe stated, “We need people to help us with this.”
Now, with social media posts also advertising the protest, citizens are gathering to, as one post on Ellijay PETS stated, “bring awareness and express a desire to see Susan held accountable for this animal house of horror.”
However, despite statements from citizens, the court case is only in its beginning stages and no conviction has been made yet. Build an Ark stated in 2017 that they have been investigated four times by the Department of Agriculture upon claims before, all of which resulted in no citations.
The protest is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. downtown.
Gilmer Animal Shelter goes all out in preparations of the holidays
Uncategorized November 28, 2021GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Gilmer County’s Animal Shelter (GCAS) and its Director, Daniel Laukka, have plenty to be thankful for this weekend after the Thanksgiving holiday. Between donations allowing for the planning of the coming expansion and upgrades to the animal shelter and donations in early November during their successful Pet Palooza event, they have seen great support from the Gilmer community.
But these workers and their director didn’t just accept gifts and rest on their laurels. Instead of focusing only on what they were thankful for, they have also moved into the giving side of the holiday. GCAS didn’t just offer their current residents with the daily kibble. Instead, a Thanksgiving meal was prepared to specially commemorate the holiday for a few animals who haven’t yet met the family they will be celebrating holidays with.
Making special note that no harmful ingredients were used, the Shelter prepared and served the meals and then posted photos of the dogs excitedly consuming them.
GCAS stated, “We are so very thankful for all of our volunteers and supporters, we wouldn’t be where we are without you! GCAS is so very blessed to have such an awesome support system.”
Yet, it doesn’t stop there. The shelter is also unveiled its special “Nightmare Before Christmas” themed tree for the Gilmer County Library’s Festival of Trees and the Holiday Open House event. Supporting their own animals, other county endeavors, and still maintaining their usual services for community through daily work and offering extra advice for pet owners who already have their companions like winter and cold weather preparations and tips.
These efforts also have no indication of stopping as plans continue for the shelter moving into 2022 and continue with partnerships in other states alongside the plans for expanded space in Gilmer County.
But getting there still has needs. While volunteers and staff continue to put in efforts to better the facility and provide special treats like Thanskgiving dinner for the animals, they still have their own Christmas Wish List moving into December to provide better care now as they wait for those upgrades to come in the latter half of 2022. Citizens can pour their Christmas support into the shelter through their wish list or through volunteer services both this Christmas season and in the coming year.
Gilmer Animal Shelter expansion approved
Community, News September 12, 2021ELLIJAY, Ga. – “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” A sign say in front of the Gilmer County Courthouse’s Jury Assembly Room, brought by one of the supporters of the county’s Animal Shelter and an expansion plan alongside two major donations for the facility.
The plan actually includes both expansion and retrofitting of the facility. With encouragement from groups like FOGAS (Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter), Volunteers Helping the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, Paws Be Good, Homeward Bound, Furry Paws, and many others according to Jack Peyton of FOGAS, who spoke first in the Commissioners meeting on September 9, 2021.
The expansion and donations have been discussed before with questions arising over how the county will support the annual increase in budget for maintaining a larger facility.
Many of those who spoke at the meeting, including Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka, stated that the need for a larger facility is already here and more growth is coming. Laukka and others spoke about how animals have become so increased in number that they are being housed in areas like offices simply because their is not enough room elsewhere. With cages in his own office for cats, Laukka spoke of the benefits that the expansion and retrofit will provide in caring for the animals, and how some money could be saved in the annual costs.
Minor items like having to take animals to the vets office for spay/neuter appointments will be neutralized as the expansion has a small area for vets to come and perform the procedures in the animal shelter with equipment in the shelter.
Laukka said he already has 2 vets committed to coming to the shelter to do this. With volunteers continuing to help when possible, speakers in the meeting repeated the need that they have seen as they have helped and visited the shelter. He also noted that a local commercial laundry service has offered to service new laundry equipment designated in the retrofit for free. Also helping with some additional maintenance costs.
Additional discussion moved from what is needed to what has already been accomplished. Dr. William Mitchell, a veterinarian, walked to the podium and said, “I am here to speak in support of Daniel.”
Though the topic at hand was about plans to expand the animal shelter, many of the speakers spoke specifically to what Director Daniel Laukka has accomplished and the leadership he has provided. Dr. Mitchell went on to say he has worked with Animal Control facilities for several decades, “I have never seen a more dedicated and hard working individual than Daniel.”
Laukka himself said he could never do what he does without his staff and supporting groups. It is a collective of efforts from the community that support the shelter.
Programs from supporting groups have allowed for help in the community like low cost spays and neuters for those who need it and the capturing of feral cats in order to spay/neuter and then re-release.
All of these culminate in a department that citizens said has every county in North Georgia looking at Gilmer and how they handle this. One speaker went so far as to call it a “mecca” of the animal shelters in the area.
Laukka himself noted that in 2013, the shelter averaged around 1800 to 2000 animals a year. Laukka noted that close to 1100 of those animals were euthanized every year. WIth expansion first looked at four years ago, according to Laukka, the county instead went with a van that is used in partnership with other programs in other states in the north.
With this hard work towards becoming a “no kill” status, Laukka said in the meeting, “Ninety-nine percent of the animals that come into the shelter now, leave the shelter alive, adoptable, healthy. I get all the credit for it but I couldn’t do it without all the volunteers and the employees. The employees do way more than anybody could ever know.”
Almost 45 minutes of discussion saw every single person that did stand to speak on the topic discussing their support for accepting the donations and the expansion plans. After that, the commissioners moved to the agenda item on the plans.
A very emotional night saw several speakers fighting back tears, and so followed Chairman Paris as he said, “I understand. I can’t say a lot, but I’m going to make a motion to accept the money and build a shelter.”
Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson later seconded the motion after clarifying and Paris’ amending his motion that the county fund an expansion with costs not to exceed the fund for the building from the donations. He explained the fund contains a little over $1.5 million. As such, the fund is specifically designated for the shelter. Paris said there is nothing else it can be used for.
According to a statement by FOGAS, “The input, planning, architectural work, and engineering have been completed for this expansion project.” Now, the county will take on the plans with the intent to bid and begin construction. The engineer was present at the meeting and relayed that with the work that’s been done, the county could be bidding the project by the end of the year with construction to begin in 2022.
Speaking on the expansion, Director Laukka said, “I could probably stand up here and talk for hours about what we’ve accomplished over the last few years but I want to accomplish more over the next few years as well. It’s definitely something we have to do together.”
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week! Powder
Fast & Furriest May 30, 2021
Meet Powder, a Pomeranian mix (we think Spitz). This little Powder Puff has never met a stranger; has lots of puppy energy; loves everyone….dogs, cats, kids and their parents. Once she gets to know you, she will have lots of puppy kisses for you.
Powder is almost 18 months old; needs to lose a few more lbs. and is doing well with her diet and exercise regimen. Powder is with a foster Mom who takes her on a hike every day!
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Katie!
Fast & Furriest December 27, 2020Meet Katie, a 6 ½-year-old terrier mix who was adopted from HBPR 3 years ago. It appears that her owners turned her out and let her fend for herself. Katie and 2 other dogs relied on the kindness of strangers until animal control was called. She is chipped, so they traced her back to us. Katie is now safe with HBPR until we find her a real forever home. Katie is around 33 lbs., house trained, well mannered, does not expect much, and is grateful for everything. Sound like your kind of girl?
Apply online: www.hbpr.org We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Twix
Fast & Furriest November 29, 2020Meet Twix, a 3 year old mix breed, who is shy at first but then wants to dazzle you with his figure 8 zoomies and plays hide and go seek in our fenced agility pen. He will chase a ball but is not quite sure what do with it once he has it. Twix appears to be ok with other dogs; cats are an unknown. He is going to be a good dog for someone who can give him the love and confidence he needs.
Apply online: www.hbpr.org We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Lollipop
Fast & Furriest November 22, 2020The first thing you will notice about Lollipop is her beautiful fawn color coat and how it glistens in a sunbeam. When Lollipop came to us a month ago, she had just given birth, had a mammary tumor and is heartworm positive. She has now had her surgeries and is feeling much
better. She enjoys exercising in a fenced area and will show off her figure 8 zoomies. HBPR will continue to pay for her HW treatment even after adoption.
Apply online: www.hbpr.org We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Changes coming to Animal Control
News August 13, 2019ELLIJAY, Ga. – A couple from the area of Woodland Acres spoke in August’s Commissioners’ meetings about an ongoing problem with dogs running loose in the area.
In the ensuing discussions, on August 8, 2019, Commission Chairman Charlie Paris promised citizens that changes would be coming to the Animal Control Ordinances of Gilmer County in efforts to address this and similar issues in the county.
The most vocal, Sto Goodwin and Debra Christian, live as neighbors in Woodland Acres and began discussing the issue on Wednesday, they tell FYN that several people in the area have had issues with dogs running free in the area. Christian named the breed Cane Corso as one that has specifically harassed her. She went on to say that the issue has not been handled properly as they have reported the issues, Animal Control has picked up the dogs on the loose, but the owner in question just get the dogs back. This owner, who was not named, has allegedly gone to court, promised to move, and made other promises that have not been kept.
Christian alleges that the owner refuses to enclose the dogs and actively trains them in “Predator Control.” She was supported in these allegations by both Goodwin and even Chairman Paris who said, “He has been very clear with us in the past that he expects his dogs to be able to run free, and that we’re welcome to fine him. He’ll pay the fine, but they will run free.”
Paris stated that the problem has existed for several years. Due to the increasing allegations and some citizens even saying they have video of the dogs killing cats and other animals as well as chasing after people in the area, responses are now increasing. While Paris said that they cannot just go and take the dogs by law, he did say that the county is already changing one thing right now. Animal Control’s policy for returning animals found off of owner’s property is going to step up plan.
Paris said, “Previously, if an animal was brought in that was found off the owner’s property, it was $150 fee to reclaim it. If it came in again, it was another $150. What we’ve done is we’ve lowered the first offense to $100, and if that person, who comes in, is willing to have us spay or neuter the particular animal, then we will lower it to $75. That’s the first time, and this is per owner, not per animal. The second time an animal from that owner comes in, it’s $300. And if they want to spay or neuter, we’ll back it up one level to $100. The third time it comes in, it’s going to be $600, then $900. And then it’ll be $1000.”
Paris went on to note that citations will also go along with that.
These new changes are just part of the major changes that could be coming to the ordinance. Paris promised those present that he would be looking into the ordinance to have something to present next month. Goodwin asked how many animals might die by the time this situation reaches those higher levels of fees.
Goodwin said that this issue has gone on for six years with nobody seeming to respond or even care as this one owner hides behind a law claiming exemption for dog attacks on other animals under certain circumstances. One of those exemptions involve Predator Control, being the training claimed for these animals. However, he also tells FYN that he has neighbors who have photos and even a video of one of the dogs with a mutilated cat in its mouth.
Additionally, with potential citations, court litigation, and other outcomes from additional issues arising, County Attorney David Clark warned those citizens that continued investigations would require continued support from citizens. He said they cannot back off from standing up for the issue as the county and court systems cannot pursue them through Animal Control without citizen support.
Goodwin stated that he did not want to harm the dogs as he blames the owner for their training and activities, but he warned that if they continued being aggressive and threatening others, someone was going to get hurt.
Paris also said he was worried about citizens attempting to protect themselves and potentially harming or killing the animals.
Moving into the the minimal 3-month process, changes are currently expected to be advertised in September, if approved the first reading will be in October, if approved there the second reading and final adoption will be in November.
Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter to host annual BBQ and Silent Auction!
Announcements, Press Release April 18, 2019ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGA) will be hosting their annual BBQ and Silent Auction on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 11:30 am until 3 pm at the Gilmer County Civic Center (1561 South Main St., Ellijay, GA 30540).
Lunch reservations are requested. There are a limited number of tickets available at the door.
Food served will be Shane’s Pork BBQ, Beans, Slaw, Tea, and Dessert.
Auction Admission is free! Lunch is $10 per person.
All proceeds are to fund low cost spay/neuter, vetting Gilmer County Animal Shelter pets, and other Gilmer County Programs.
Email or call to reserve your tickets!
[email protected]
706-273-1852
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected].
Would You Know How to Perform CPR on Your Pet? Watch the Training Video by Mountain Emergency Animal Center
Community, Featured February 26, 2018Mountain Emergency Animal Center is a outstanding emergency vet clinic located in Blue Ridge, GA. They have a full surgical room, ICU kennels, a blood bank, and they keep anti venom on hand at all times. They are fully equipped to deal with any medical emergency your pet may have.
In this video they do a CPR training to show you exactly what you would need to do if your pet goes into cardiac arrest. This is great information for any pet owner.
Mountain Emergency Animal Center
Serving the Tri-State Area (GA, NC, TN)
Call us at 706-632-7879
Pet Emergency? Read no further and call us right away!
Pet emergencies, like human ones, can happen anytime. Your pet’s injuries and illnesses may require immediate attention.
Dog trapped between rocks dies during rescue
News January 4, 2018Photos by Leah Britt
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Yesterday, Jan. 3, several people became aware of a developing situation through a viral Facebook post about a dog who had become stuck.
According to that post by local citizen Leah Britt, the animal had been stuck for some time with authorities unable to help. As the post has reached nearly 6,000 shares, the viral nature brought out several citizens in attempts of continued rescue for the animal.
Through the continued popularity of the post, more information came to light as the dog, named Handsome, had allegedly been trapped in the hole for three days.
Despite continued efforts from all involved, the animal did not survive, passing away during the rescue operation. However, support continues to flow for the dog and its owners through the post with comments and posts on other people’s pages like Sean Davis, one of the volunteers desperately trying to save the animal. Comments generally contained sympathy for the animal and those involved asking for updates and showing support for those who continued attempts at rescue with a few noting alleged injuries the animal had received including several claiming a hip injury among others.
Check out Leah’s post below:
911 Call Released for September 28 Dog Attack
News September 30, 2017CHERRY LOG, GA – FYN has obtained the 911 call from the passerby who attempted to stop and help the 61-year-old Kathy Nichelson who was injured and later died from the dog attack.
The caller was bitten in his attempt to aid Nichelson. However, he did manage to get away from the dog and back to his car before dialing 911, according to authorities.
The call is short but the caller does say the lady was bit on her throat, while he was bit on the chin. Further details are not available at this time, but stay with FYN as further updates become available.
Details Reveal Victims of Dog Attack
News September 29, 2017CHERRY LOG, GA – Updates are coming now for the woman found dead in Cherry Log yesterday, September 28.
According to the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office, Kathy Sue Nichelson died from an attack by a pit bull on Goose Island Road. It is now confirmed that a second person was attacked when trying to help Nichelson, but did not receive serious injuries.
Deputies were forced to fire upon the animal, according to the Sheriff’s Press Release, killing it.
Officials are not releasing details at this time on the dog or its owner, but are assuring citizens that the investigation is continuing.
The official press release from the Gilmer Sheriff states:
A-61-year old woman died after being attacked by a Pit Bull Thursday, Sept. 28th, at 890 Goose Island Rd. The woman, identified as Kathy Sue Nichelson, was attacked shortly after arriving at the residence. A passerby saw Ms. Nichelson on the ground and stopped to render aid. The dog attacked him as well, and he escaped to his vehicle where he was able to call 911. He received non life-threatening injuries.
Law enforcement and EMS arrived soon after. Law enforcement attempted to keep the animal at bay while EMS tried to treat Nichelson. During this time, the animal came towards public safety personnel aggressively, and the animal was put down by deputies.
An investigation into the animal’s behavior and its owner are ongoing. More information may be available once the investigation is completed.