Additional charges against Build An Ark as other rescues continue taking animals

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GILMER 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.

Photos by Waddle On Inn Rescue and TMMA Farms & Sanctuary.

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.

Citizens protest Build An Ark in Downtown Ellijay

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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.

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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.

Friday will see protest against Build An Ark in Ellijay

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ELLIJAY, 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.

Build an Ark Being Investigated

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ELLIJAY, GA – In a public statement, the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were contacted by a member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) about the care of a donkey within the Build-An-Ark Animal Rescue.

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. For example, he stated the Sheriff’s Office does not have the facilities to impound or take possession of large animals or livestock.

Nicholson further told FYN that if charges were to come, they would be considering the opinions of the Department of Agriculture heavily as “the average law enforcement officer is not trained to deal with neglected livestock.” In a situation like this, the Sheriff’s Office uses experts for the investigation, and Department of Agriculture will not charge the county for any services or investigations.

Since the investigation began, the donkey in question has been checked by a veterinarian, and both the Sheriff’s Office and Build an Ark have confirmed that the donkey was put down. However, it has been reported that a further investigation is underway about the conditions and care for other animals in the rescue. The Sheriff’s Office also reports that Build an Ark and its owner are complying with the investigation.

On their Facebook page, Build an Ark reported to the public that the donkey, Naomi, “lived to 48, a good 20 years longer than most donkeys. Her kidneys were failing her and her quality of life was decreasing, so Susan made the tough decision to put her to rest.”

As such, Build an Arks public statement said that the veterinary visit to the donkey revealed the kidney failure, but the decision on putting the donkey down was left to Susan as the donkey was still walking around and not in too much pain yet. However, they do report that the veterinarian stated it was only a matter of time for the donkey.

In their statement, Build an Ark has also stated they have been investigated four times by the Department of Agriculture upon claims before, all of which resulted in no citations. FYN has submitted requests to the Department of Agriculture to confirm this, and is currently awaiting the information.

A Star is born in Ellijay, GA joins stars in Joplin Missouri

Build an Ark, Featured Stories

Actually thousands of stars are coming to life in Joplin, MO. Some stars traveled from Ellijay, Georgia and some were created in Joplin today! Stars of Hope set up under a large tent displaying a beautiful American Flag at Missouri Southern State University. Volunteers enjoyed greeting folks from Joplin and many other States as they handed out stars to be painted with unique thoughts, prayers, and inspirational messages or pictures of remembrance. (more…)

Stars of Hope Shining from Ellijay to Joplin

Build an Ark, Featured Stories

FYN Reports enjoyed sitting down with Gilmer County’s own EMT Kelly and talk to her about her recent involvement with the New York Says Thank You pay it forward project in Ellijay, GA. Kelly specifically become involved with the first aid and medical alert team and also heavily involved with Pat Samuels and his Stars of Hope project. Kelly told us, “it was a lot of community and a lot of work involved.” (more…)

A Bridge to Somewhere

Build an Ark, Featured Stories

Love can Build a Bridge – Build an Ark, Build a Barn and Build a Bridge

Fetchyournews.com has had the privilege of following the progression of the New York Says Thank You 2011 “Barn Raising” project in Ellijay, GA. Recently FYN reports, Brian K. Pritchard had an opportunity to talk with Jim Fox, “volunteer extraordinaire” about Jim’s experience with this wonderful project. Jim explains the impact his involvement has had on him and the community.
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Shane’s Rib Shack serves Patriotic BBQ

Build an Ark, Business

Recently Gilmer County’s Build an Ark Animal Rescue received a life changing visit from NewYorkSaysThankYou and as part of the event had the distinct honor and excitement of bringing America’s 911 Flag to our community! Gilmer County took possession of the Flag in Marietta for an unforgettable experience of escorting to a waiting crowd in Ellijay, GA!

Today Fetchyournews.com would like to highlight and extend a big “Thank You” to our friends at Shane’s Rib Shack for their amazing contribution during the recent events! Shane’s Rib Shack exhibited their willingness to “Pay it Forward!” by serving up delicous BBQ on more than one occassion to hungry volunteers. (more…)

United Community Bank Demostrates Why “Community” Is Its Middle Name

Build an Ark, Business

Gilmer County had several visiting volunteers the last two weeks of July in a special event that brought the entire community together with hundreds of visitors. New York Says Thank You (NYSTY) selected Build an Ark Animal Rescue as this year’s rebuild project and came together to “re-build a barn”!

FYN has decided to highlight some pretty amazing local businesses that showed they are definitely committed to the community. Today we are sending a special “Thank You” to our friends at United Community Bank for their willingness to “do what they can!” (more…)

New York Says Thank You – Pays it Forward in Gilmer County for Build an Ark Animal Rescue

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New Yorkers honor America’s generosity after 9/11 by helping Georgia tornado survivors rebuild. Excitement builds in Gilmer County as the New York Says Thank You – Build an Ark project plan comes together.

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Community in Action-American Owned Ingles “Pays it Forward” in Gilmer County

Build an Ark, Business

Special volunteers joined forces to create the best in America in Gilmer County this week-end to “Pay it Forward”! Advance teams arrived early in order to begin the project. They were joined by hundreds more traveling from all across America starting this past Thursday to hold a barn raising for Build an Ark Animal Rescue, which was this year’s project picked by New York Says Thank You. Hundreds of volunteers working together sharing a common American Spirit is a wonderful event!

Fetchyournews.com heard numerous comments expressing the amazement of how our local community companies stepped up. So we decided to say a special thank you to our local heroes by highlighting their willingness to do what they can (in no particular order). It seems fitting to see this sort of willingness since the week-end was in honor of our local 1Lt. Noah Harris and his dedication to the sentiment of “I do what I can”! Our first special thank you goes to an American owned company, Ingles, that really went above and beyond in so many ways. (more…)

Barn Moves Toward Completion

Build an Ark

On Thursday morning, Susan Littlejohn’s barn-to-be was nothing more than a skeleton of a building, a strong frame bearing the likeness of a sea-worthy ark. But, by late Friday afternoon, (more…)

“New York Says Thank You” Movie Premiere

Build an Ark

“New York Says Thank You” the movie is about the spirit of the American people and how rewarding it is one returns kindness shown in a time of need by “paying it forward.” Jeff Parness, a New Yorker, whose son Evan started a rolling train when he decided to send his toys to children that were victims of wildfires in California, leads a group of volunteers to different devastated areas of the country in order to help the healing process. (more…)

The National 9/11 Flag Arrives In Ellijay

Build an Ark

You could hear the sirens … see the flashing lights from a parade of fire and police vehicles … and smile, as person after person described goosebumps on their arms and the emotion in their hearts as The National 9/11 Flag made its way through the streets of Ellijay late Thursday afternoon. The procession from Marietta to the Build An Ark Animal Rescue site made only one scheduled stop: It was in Jasper, where a large crowd had gathered to get a glimpse of the flag. Pockets of children and families lined the procession route along Georgia State Highways 575 and 515 to wave to the emergency rescue workers who were escorting the flag. But perhaps the most poignant moment came when the flag arrived at the Build An Ark site where hundreds of volunteers from across the country have come to rebuild the property that was destroyed in an April 4th tornado.

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American Flag Now Waves Over Ellijay’s “Ground Zero”

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There’s more than the true American spirit now proudly on display in Ellijay as volunteers arrive from around the country to help rebuild an animal shelter destroyed by tornadoes. On Wednesday, the American flag was raised for the first time at the Build An Ark Animal Rescue site. The flag and flag pole were donated by an anonymous source, but the gift was made in honor of Ellijay’s fallen son, Army 1st Lt. Noah Harris.

Harris was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. He joined the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, telling his father that people “must serve some higher purpose than yourself in life.” On June 17, 2005, Harris’ Humvee was attacked in Iraq by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades. He died from the injuries he sustained in that attack within 24 hours. He was buried on his 24th birthday.

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Jeff Parness – New York Says Thank You -Rides into Town

Build an Ark

Jeff Parness, Founder & Chairman of New York Says Thank You, rides into town Tuesday, July 26, to join the advance team working at Build an Ark Animal Rescue – Re-build a barn week-end. The eventful weekend is dedicated in honor of 1Lt. Noah Harris. (more…)

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