Animal shelter calls emergency meeting after I-Team report - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Animal shelter calls emergency meeting after I-Team investigation

Posted: Updated:
RABUN COUNTY, Ga. -

If the board of directors of a troubled animal shelter has voted to take action in light of an I-Team investigation, no one is saying so yet.

Boggs Mountain Humane Shelter in the north Georgia Mountains is under GBI investigation following disturbing evidence uncovered by the FOX 5 I-Team.

The shelter closed early Friday as its board of directors held a meeting at an undisclosed location to consider the findings of the investigation and the beginnings of a criminal case. The board began a meeting at 3 p.m., supposedly to decide what to do about their controversial shelter director. But so far, there has been no announcement about the meeting. By all indications, director Lowanda Kilby is still in charge

"This is a very emotional moment for a lot of people," said Rabun County Sheriff Frank Andrews.

Andrews is not exaggerating. Our undercover investigation touched people across the country. A supposed no-kill animal shelter that offered this extra guarantee: sponsor a "Lucky" dog or cat and, for $100, ensure the animal would not be killed but actually made easier to adopt.

Yet we obtained records showing at least a dozen Lucky dogs or cats euthanized since May, including two we actually played with during our undercover visit. A whistleblower says shortly after we left, workers put Sally and Lola to sleep because they needed room for more dogs.

The people who donated money for many of those unlucky dogs or cats even got an email from Boggs Mountain, falsely assuring them their sponsored animal had been adopted.

Rabun County authorities started investigating allegations of theft by deception and animal cruelty, but because Boggs Mountain also gets $175,000 to enforce the county animal ordinance, the sheriff asked the GBI to take the lead.
    
Once they got the case, GBI agents spent most of Thursday afternoon at the shelter, examining records and obtaining some of the same documents we first revealed in our investigation. The district attorney even came by, underscoring the seriousness of this case.

"I just ask that people be patient and let this investigation take its course and then once everything's in place, we'll know exactly what's going to happen," said Andrews.

The board of directors is made up of several former residents of metro Atlanta who are now part of the Rabun County community.

The chairperson is a longtime executive from Macy's; the vice-chair is from IBM.

RELATED LINKS | Investigation exposes humane society 'Lucky Dog' program

  • I-Team Story Archive

  • Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    May 16, 2013 10:39 PM 2013-05-17 15:16:51 GMT
    The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
    The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:32:39 GMT
    A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
    A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

Powered by WorldNow

1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Main Number: (404) 875-5555
News Tips: (404) 898-0100

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices