Nearly 200 animals seized from a Chatham County home in July are on their way to a dozen different shelters.
“Each organization that is getting animals will be evaluating their temperament and any ongoing medical issues, but certainly the vast majority is going to be adoptable,” says Debra Henzey, Chatham County’s Director of Community Relations.
Last month, the Sheriff’s Department, animal control officials and a coalition of nonprofits worked to rescue 131 cats, 23 dogs, 11 horses, 14 birds, eight goats, two cows, and one large pig from a home on Silk Hope Gum Spring Road in Pittsboro.
The animals were allegedly kept in unsanitary, overcrowded conditions. Henzey says many are still being treated for medical conditions.
“Just about all of the cats and dogs had to be spayed and neutered, and then there were an array of infections, skin issues, ear and eye infections,” says Henzey.
Shelters and rescue groups as far away as Virginia and Washington D.C. have offered to take in animals. That’s due in part to the wide variety of creatures involved, but also to avoid overwhelming any one shelter.
“We are a rural county and our shelter is not huge, by any means,” says Henzey. “This is a way of getting animals out to groups that specialize in particular types of animals.”
She notes that collaboration was made possible by the Humane Society of the U.S. Officials with the Humane Society say the Chatham County animal seizure is the largest the organization has handled in the nation so far this year.
At the local level, Henzey says about 30 cats will be housed at the Chatham County Animal Shelter.
“We truly would appreciate Chatham County and local residents coming to our shelter to adopt. We always have more incoming animals and the more that are adopted out, the more we can help other animals in need.”
The animals have been officially surrendered to the county, but no charges have been filed against the owner. The Sheriff’s Department is still investigating the case.
A list of Humane Society partners that have accepted some of the rescued animals for adoption include:
Related Stories
‹
After Group Rescue of 214 Dogs in Chatham County, Some Are Ready for AdoptionAfter Chatham County authorities seized more than 200 dogs as part of an animal cruelty investigation, some will soon be up for adoption.
![]()
Chatham Animal Seizure Breaks RecordsOfficials say the rescue of nearly 200 animals from an overcrowded home on Wednesday is the largest, and most complicated, in Chatham County history.
![]()
150 Animals Rescued From Chatham County HomeMore than 150 animals have been rescued from a property in Chatham County, in an operation that brought together officials from nearly a dozen public and private animal care facilities. Chatham County Animal Services led the rescue after receiving a tip that “more than 100 cats and dogs” were being kept in a single mobile […]
On the Porch: Emily Sutton - Riverkeeper for The HawThis Week:
Emily Sutton is the Executive Director of Haw River Assembly ("HRA") as well as being the Haw Riverkeeper. She joined the staff of Haw River Assembly in 2016, managing citizen science projects to watchdog against sediment pollution and monitor the tributaries and main stem of the Haw River. She has been Haw Riverkeeper since 2018, leading the fight for HRA against pollution in the Haw River on many fronts, including emerging contaminants, Jordan Lake nutrients, and sediment pollution. She is a current member of the NC Sedimentation Control Commission. Emily grew up paddling rivers in the Midwest, and moved to North Carolina to receive her B.A at Appalachian State University in Sustainable Development, where she studied Agroecology, Watershed Ecology, and Outdoor Education. Emily lives in Durham, NC.
![]()
On Air Today: Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson on New Laws, Jordan Lake SafetyChatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, October 3. He discussed how two new laws in North Carolina will affect the work of Sheriff's offices in the state, including Chatham County. He also discussed safety on Jordan Lake, with dangerous situations occurring every summer. He also discussed the growth of Chatham County and how it affect's the sheriff's office's work, and more.
Gas Explosion in Food Truck Injures 2 Ahead of Pittsboro Music FestivalTwo food truck employees suffered burns after a gas leak caused an explosion inside their truck at the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival in Pittsboro on Thursday afternoon.
![]()
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Katie KenlanChatham County Commissioner Katie Kenlan spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 30. She discussed a pair of recent meetings the county commissioners held. The first was a joint meeting with the Siler City Board of Commissioners. The second was a joint meeting with the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners. She discussed the takeaways from both meetings, as well as the similarities and differences in the needs of those two towns. She also discussed upcoming community events and more.
On the Porch: Dr. Jim Crawford - September News RoundupThis Week:
Born into a blue collar and agricultural clan in rural Pennsylvania, Dr. Jim Crawford was the first in his family to graduate from college. Earning his PhD from the University of North Carolina, he taught US and World History at several universities in the piedmont North Carolina for several decades. He served as chairman of the Chatham County board of commissioners, and currently serves as trustee for Central Carolina Community College. He is a firm believer in American democracy and trusts that the constitution will hold firm now as it has in past crises despite the broken, distempered electorate.
Chatham County Fair Celebrates 75 Years as the Country's Longest-Running Black-Owned FairThe Chatham County fair turned 75 years old last weekend. It is one of the longest-running African American fairs in the country.
![]()
Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the Commissioners Karen HowardChair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 16, discussing county news and events. She shared details of a presentation from the United Way about their role in addressing housing affordability in Chatham County. She also discussed highlights from the recent board of commissioners meeting, including discussion of early childhood programs in the county and more. She also previewed this weekend's Chatham County Agricultural and Industrial Fair, which will be the 75th in the fair's history. She shared memories of taking her kids to the fair, and the importance it has for the Chatham community. She noted some of the fairs highlights, including the food, rides, and more.
›
