Fallout following AR mayor dumping dogs near forest

June 18, 2008 : 3:55 PM

Update July 17, 2008: The mayor of Helena-West Helena is now seeking the arrest of the Humane Society director.

Read the story by Michele Page of the Helena Daily World here:

http://www.helena-arkansas.com/news/x469162128/Valley-files-affidavit-calling-for-the-arrest-of-HS-director

An arrest warrant has been signed for mayor who authorized release of 10 dogs near national forest.

From blog.nafanews.org:
An arrest warrant was issued June 27 for Helena-West Helena Mayor James Valley. Circuit Judge David Henry found reasonable cause to issue the warrant over accusations that he obstructed the Humane Society of Southeast Arkansas from caring for the animals. It is expected that Valley will be served by telephone and given the date of his first court appearance. Valley may still face charges specific to abandoning animals, livestock or personal property on federal property.

(End blog entry.)

Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts continue. Gloria Higginbotham, director of the Humane Society of the Delta, told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on July 27 that "about" half of the dogs had been found, and two or three others were shot by a resident who saw them on his property. The paper also reported that Valley could face federal charges if he is found to have released the dogs in the St. Francis National Forest.

When Helena-West Helena, Ark., Mayor James Valley decided to release the homeless dogs near the St. Francis National Fores from the local animal shelter temporary quarters, he had no idea of the controversy that would ensue. Valley believed the dogs would be better off fending for themselves. However, in addition to the abandonment being cruel to the dogs, according to the U.S. Forest Service, the release of any animals on federal land is against the law.

Now his office has been bombarded with complaints from outraged animal lovers and a warrant has been passed, although not signed or issued, calling for the Mayor’s arrest.

Fortunately for the dogs, the National Forestry Service contacted Northeast Arkansans For Animals (NAFA) shortly after their release. Beginning on June 15, volunteers have been searching the area and have successfully recaptured four of the discarded dogs.

For the latest news on what is happening in Arkansas, see The Daily World.

For updates on the search for the lost dogs, see the NAFA blog.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Please support NAFA’s rescue efforts. Donations are being accepted to fund their extra travel, medical, and care expenses.

Northeast Arkansans For Animals (NAFA)
PO Box 10075
Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403

• If you wish to contribute funds for a new shelter, send donations to:
Mrs. Sandra Ramsey
PO Box 248
Helena-West Helena, Arkansas 72342
Attn: Animal Control Fund

Some past articles:
• The Daily World: Some dogs found ok
• The Daily World: Valley apologizes for city’s dog fiasco: Blasts ‘renegade’ Humane Society from southeastern Ark.
• The Daily World: Dog saga continues: Porter passes signing warrant to another judge
• The Daily World: Fallout continues over dogs
• The Daily World: Arkansas city releases shelter dogs into national forest

Updated 7/18/08 by Serenah McKay
Posted by Serenah McKay, Best Friends Network volunteer,
Edited by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff
Dog photo from personal files.

Comments

July 7, 2008 at 3:52 PM
posted by: EmergencyOps

Cruel and sickening. He has no shame and blames everyone else for what he 'thought' was his only recourse and blames everyone else for the uproar.

“This saga has lasted too long and is a distraction to the good work that has been and is being done in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas."
-Mayor Valley

The saga that you created? The distraction that you created? He thought his heartless decisions would have no ill-effects. He was wrong, and I hope justice is swift and heavy.

July 1, 2008 at 1:17 PM
posted by: southerndogmom

I live in a region where "drop offs" are common; where people somehow think that an animal let go in a rural area will somehow learn to fend for itself by finding adequate water, food and shelter - and without being shot at.

I honestly believe this guy had no clue that what he was doing at the time would have so many consequences. I hope he faces federal charges since the feds are routinely less forgiving for ignorance than local authorities. And I hope that the lack of judgment of this elected official can serve as an educational tool for others: we've domesticated them, people. We can't just let them run amok and figure they can fend for themselves. They cannot. and to think they can is subjecting them to suffering, pain and almost certain death.

July 1, 2008 at 7:10 AM
posted by: sherylcatmom

Wow. I'm so sad for those poor dogs and glad action is being taken.

Despite everything, I actually feel the tiniest bit of pity for the mayor: Imagine taking on responsibility for an entire city, but not knowing enough to extend basic compassion toward living beings or to check the laws before taking it upon oneself to release homeless pets into the wild? Sounds like that mayor is getting a huge wake-up call and desperately-needed lessons in basic humanity and civics.

Maybe the national and legal attention could motivate positive change in the community and save lives. Maybe it could even deter city officials elsewhere from acting on an ill-conceived "bright idea" to deal with homeless animals.

June 30, 2008 at 9:34 PM
posted by: Margaret

This is the most ignorant thing I've ever heard.

June 30, 2008 at 8:44 PM
posted by: cbarnes

Forget the warrant. He ought to be jsut shot like some of the dogs were. What a complete and total jackass.