Columbus animal control veterinarian resigns after concern over euthanizations, conditions
The part-time veterinarian for Columbus Animal Care & Control has resigned and will leave CACC at the end of this month, according to a city councilor.
Columbus Councilwoman Toyia Tucker confirmed Dr. Hank Hall’s resignation to the Ledger-Enquirer. She said council was informed of his planned departure last month. A viral video on Facebook last month caused concern about how dogs in the facility were treated. Hall answered questions from Columbus Council in a July meeting, and council authorized an investigation into CACC.
“With Dr. Hall leaving it is imperative that the Columbus Animal Care & Control hire a licensed veterinarian who will come in and really just help put CACC back in order,” Tucker said.
When asked about Hall’s resignation, Drale Short, director of the Department of Public Works, provided the following statement:
“Columbus Animal Care and Control will follow all guidelines provided by the State of Georgia/Department of Agriculture under these circumstances. In the meantime, we are making every effort to secure a new Veterinarian to take the place of Dr. Hall.”
There is currently a job listing on governmentjobs.com for a full-time veterinarian for CACC.
Recent problems at Columbus animal control
CACC came under fire after a video posted to social media showed a euthanization in which a dog was stuck with a needle and left alone while dying. One person later removed the needle and two people put the dog on a cart with other dead dogs.
“The girl, she didn’t wait long enough for the anesthesia to kick in,” Hall said when he was questioned by city council in July, referring to the person who euthanized the dog in the video.
“Instead of making up more of the general anesthetic they were hoping that would be enough to do it,” Hall said. “ ... There were several missteps here.”
Hall later said there “needs to be changes” at CACC.
Columbus police investigating CACC
The Columbus City Council passed a motion in that July meeting for an external investigation to be conducted.
The Columbus Police Department has since confirmed through a news release that it is investigating several complaints made by citizens against Animal Care & Control.
“Our primary objective is to ensure that the investigation is conducted impartially, fairly, and transparently,” the police department said. “We understand the community’s concern and the need for answers. We ask for the public’s patience as our investigators work diligently to gather and assess all pertinent information.”
CPD is asking anyone with relevant information regarding the investigation to contact the department’s Bureau of Investigative Services at 706-225-3400.
This story was originally published August 15, 2024 at 12:03 PM.