110 W. New York Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
386-734-4622
BEACON PHOTO/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN
Headed to a new home — A dog seized from ARK animal shelter in DeLand looks out from a cage after being loaded in a pickup for transportation to temporary shelter. The DeLand Police Department seized 126 animals from the shelter Nov. 8, after receiving complaints about their care. A judge will decide the fate of the dogs and cats.
BEACON PHOTO/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN
Keeping watch — A DeLand police officer keeps watch was police and other workers remove animals from ARK in DeLand. Dogs and cats were being transported to temporary homes Nov. 8.
BEACON PHOTO/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN
Police supervision — DeLand Animal Control Officer Gary Thomas, facing away from the camera, keeps track of cats removed from ARK Nov. 8.
BEACON PHOTO/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN
Going to new place — Volunteers load a healthy-looking dog into a truck for transport to another location. He is one of many animals removed from ARK Nov. 8.
BEACON PHOTO/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN
Press interest — ARK founder and Director Maggi Hall talks with press Thursday afternoon, Nov. 8.
BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
Adopted from ARK — Animal lover Missy Dahms stands with her dog, Tommy. Tommy was adopted from ARK and came healthy and with all the proper paperwork, Dahms said.
BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
Donations — Donations of food and other goods sit in back of ARK President Maggi Hall's car. She was delivering the goods this morning when the DeLand Police Department arrived to serve a search warrant, she said.
BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
Filed complaint — Karen Clark filed a formal complaint against ARK animal rescue claiming the animals were over-crowded, sick and being adopted out in ill-health. Clark said she has never been inside the facility, but relied on reports from people who had been.
BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
Search warrant — The DeLand Police Department said it is executing a search warrant today at Animal Rescue Konsortium (ARK) at 441 S. Woodland Blvd., after receiving complaints about the care of the animals there. Deputy Police Chief Randel Henderson asked for community volunteers to take in the 126 animals if they have to be removed from the facility. Anyone interested in helping was asked to call 386-740-5862.
BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
Investigation — DeLand police officers and the city's animal-control officer are on the scene today at Animal Rescue Konsortium (ARK) at 441 S. Woodland Blvd. The police department said it was acting in response to complaints about the care of the animals there.
Hearing will decide fate of 126 dogs and cats seized from ARK
By Jen Horton and Sarahrose Ministeri
posted Nov 8, 2012 - 12:02:41pm
UPDATE 5 P.M. NOV. 12: A court hearing has been scheduled to decide the fate of 126 animals seized Nov. 8 from the ARK shelter in DeLand.
The hearing will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, in the Volusia County Courthouse, 101 N. Alabama Ave. The judge and courtroom have not yet been announced.
Twenty-six dogs, and 100 cats were removed from the Animal Rescue Konsortium shelter, 441 S. Woodland Blvd., after the DeLand Police Department received complaints of animal neglect as described in Florida State Statute 828.073.
The animals were moved to a network of shelters and foster homes while the DeLand Police Department completed its investigation.
Last week, DeLand Deputy Police Chief Randal Henderson confirmed evidence had been submitted to the courts, to request that a judge review the case.
In responding to the complaints, Henderson said, the City of DeLand put great effort into doing what was best for the animals. Because of DeLand's no-kill philosophy, Henderson said, in finding temporary homes for the ARK animals, he chose only shelters that do not use euthanasia as population control.
ARK attorney Tanner Andrews has filed a response on behalf of his client, challenging the constitutionality of the case.
The judge will be asked to decide whether ARK is able to provide adequately for the animals, and whether the animals should be returned to ARK's care.
On its Facebook page, ARK has asked supporters to write letters to the City of DeLand, 120 S. Florida Ave., DeLand, FL 32720.
For more information about ARK, visit its website, http://arkfl.rescuegroups.org/.
Below is video from the incident. See other Beacon videos on our YouTube channel.
UPDATE 3:10 P.M. NOV. 9: The DeLand Police Department has come under fire after it seized 126 animals from the Animal Rescue Konsortium (ARK) shelter in DeLand and placed them in temporary homes.
Animal activists have been burning up email connections and the Internet with allegations that the animals taken may be destroyed. Fanning the flames is a lack of information about the process.
DeLand Deputy Police Chief Randy Henderson explained the animals cannot be killed; they are being held now for safekeeping in shelters and rescue homes, and no decisions will be made about their fate until the case is reviewed by a judge.
DeLand police officers executed a search warrant about 8:30 a.m. Nov. 8 at the ARK shelter, 441 S. Woodland Blvd., after receiving complaints about the care of animals there. After a veterinarian toured the shelter at the City of DeLand's request, the decision was made to seize the animals.
Shelter supporters have said the complaints were lodged frivolously by a rival animal-rescue group, and also said police and firefighters who entered the shelter got a skewed impression of conditions, because the morning clean-up had not yet been done by ARK volunteers.
The animals are safe right now, and are in holding, Henderson said.
The Police Department has filed paperwork with the court, and is waiting for a hearing date within the next 30 days.
"We hope to be in front of a judge next week," Henderson said Nov. 9. "The welfare of these animals is of the highest priority, and we would like to see this resolved."
No-kill advocates contacted The Beacon and said some of the rescued animals were taken to shelters in Flagler and Seminole counties that don't have no-kill policies.
"That is true," Henderson said. "But nothing can happen to these animals until court."
The judge may release the animals back to ARK, or they could be given to the shelters or rescue homes where they are now being housed. If that happens, the shelters would have control of the animals.
Henderson said he deliberately chose shelters that do not use euthanasia as a means of population control.
"A great deal of effort went to finding shelters with high adoption rates, who did not use euthanasia for population control," he said.
The cooperation from shelters has been great, he said.
Henderson pointed out that the City of DeLand has a no-kill philosophy. The Second Chance Animal Shelter, run by the DeLand Police Department, has a survival rate of 99.4 percent, Henderson said. The only animals the city's shelter has had to euthanize were either suffering, or were not able to be rehabilitated for adoption.
All of the dogs seized from ARK have been placed in shelters or rescue homes save one, an aggressive dog that bites, Henderson said. All of the cats were also placed.
Henderson shed a little levity on the animal seizure.
The last 40 cats to be placed were roaming freely inside the renovated historic home that houses ARK, and it took a while to catch them all and put them in cages for transport.
"We had a rescue group take possession of an estimated 40 cats," Henderson said. "We were jokingly calling the officers corralling the cats 'cat wranglers.' I would love to see the video."
On a serious note, Henderson spoke out about comments that the DeLand Police Department did not care about the animals' well-being of the animals, or whether the rescued animals were killed.
"I'm not speaking in defense; I'm taking a stand," Henderson said. "I will not allow this city, myself or our officers to be labeled like that. That is patently false."
Henderson said the city as a whole is deeply committed to the well-being of animals, and works very hard to stay no-kill.
He has talked to police departments and shelter managers around the state, and discovered this type of problem is not unique to DeLand.
Henderson said rescue agencies that become overwhelmed with animals often are started with the best intentions, and then buried beneath a crushing need for animal rescue and shelter.
As the number of animals increases past the capacity of the home or shelter, decisions have to be made, Henderson said.
"You have to then ask yourself, when does humane become inhumane?" he said.
Henderson said no other information about the situation at ARK will be released until the court hearing, as the investigation is active.
The Beacon will provide additional information as it becomes available.
UPDATE 3:16 P.M.: DeLand Deputy Police Chief Randel Henderson said this afternoon that all 26 dogs living at the Animal Rescue Konsortium (ARK) rescue center in DeLand have been placed in temporary homes. There were still 100 cats to place as of 3 p.m. today, Nov. 8.
DeLand police executed a search warrant this morning at the nonprofit rescue center at 441 S. Woodland Blvd., after receiving complaints about the care of animals there.
Henderson said the city cares greatly about the fate of these animals. He said he would be making calls, personally, until all the animals are placed.
Henderson said the decision to remove the animals from the ARK shelter was made after a local veterinarian went into the facility.
More information will be available as the case progresses, Henderson said.
Karen Clark, director of another animal-welfare group, We Help Animals, was on the scene as police officers worked inside ARK. Clark said she was one of the people who filed written complaints about the shelter.
Clark said she has never been inside the ARK facility, but complained about overcrowding, sick animals, sick animals being adopted out, improper nutrition, and the failure to give adopters proper paperwork for their dogs.
"I've never been inside the facility, or on the property, but I have friends who are volunteers," Clark said. "I relied on what they were expressing to me about the conditions inside."
Missy Dahm was also on the scene with her dog, Tommy, which she adopted from ARK.
Dahm said she is a volunteer at the shelter; she said the animals at ARK are all well cared for.
As she watched the police action, ARK board member Kasey Benson said "This is a tragedy no matter what side you're on. Anyone who is gleeful about this has no concern for the well-being of animals."
REPORTED EARLIER: DeLand police are on at the scene now at Animal Rescue Konsortium (ARK) executing a search warrant after complaints of animal mistreatment were reported.
Charlotte Jones has been a volunteer at ARK for years, and she said she has never seen a problem.
"The animals are happy and fine," Jones said.
Maggi Hall, the president of ARK, said the police action this morning at around 8:30 a.m. was unwarranted, and that it is part of an attempt by people to shut down the organization.
"This is an attempt by several people in this area to shut us down. They want to prevent us from working with Second Chance Animal Shelter to maintain the city's status as no-kill," Hall said.
When animals come in to ARK, Hall said, they are taken to a veterinarian in Altamonte Springs, and then released to the shelter. ARK has about 10 volunteers who take care of the animals on a daily basis.
Hall said the police arrived this morning before 8:30 a.m., just after the volunteers arrived.
She told of heartwrenching tales of animal abandonment.
Nearly every day, she said, she walks outside to find an unwanted pet left for ARK to care for.
"People have literally thrown dogs over our fence," she said. "We've opened the door and there was a box of kittens on the porch."
As she walked away from her interview with The Beacon to watch the police scrutinize her labor of love, Hall said, "You know, you try to do the right thing."
Animal Rescue Konsortium (ARK) is a nonprofit animal-rescue organization located at 441 S. Woodland Blvd. It is separate from FloridaWild Veterinary Hospital at 115 E. Euclid Ave. in DeLand.
REPORTED EARLIER: DeLand police are on at the scene now at Animal Rescue Konsortium (ARK) executing a search warrant after complaints of animal mistreatment were reported.
DeLand Deputy Police Chief Randel Henderson said the department had previously investigated ARK after receiving complaints.
"We have a duty to respond to these complaints," Henderson said.
After the first visit, he said, the DPD made recommendations to bring the facility into line with statutory requirements with regard to the animals' well-being.
Officers followed up, and on the second visit, made additional recommendations.
Henderson said there were still complaints about how the animals were being cared for, so the DPD took the information to a county judge and obtained a search warrant, so they could thoroughly investigate the facility.
"There are 126 animals inside that house," Henderson said.
The fate of those animals will rest with a county judge later today, Henderson said. Some or all of the animals may have to be removed.
"We can't leave them there in that condition, based on statute," Henderson said.
If the animals are removed, finding temporary homes for them may overwhelm a system already swollen with rescued and unwanted animals.
Henderson sent a plea for the community's help.
"I'm calling around to animal shelters to find placement for 126 animals," he said. "Please ask the community to help."
If you can foster an animal, or if you can donate time or money to help with the crisis, call your local animal shelter, or call DeLand Animal Control Officer Gary Thomas at 386-740-5862.
Animal Rescue Konsortium (ARK) is a nonprofit animal-rescue organization located at 441 S. Woodland Blvd. It is separate from FloridaWild Veterinary Hospital at 115 E. Euclid Ave. in DeLand.
Reader Comments
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My name is Karen Winslow and I live in Orlando.
Now I dare you two COWARDS TO POST YOUR REAL NAMES!
But of course bullies like you always hide!
If Peta had their way no one would ever own a pet. They are nothing more then an IRS registered terror group doing everything they can to shut down rescues.
Karen must be a member along with you cowards.
So, what you are saying is ARK is like PETA. Except it is all for Maggi's ego and wallet. Maggi doesn't care if anyone owns animals or not so long as she gets notice and money.
Maggi OWNS Florida Wild, look at the public tax records. Her daughter is the vet there. It is ATTACHED to the "rescue center". Yet Maggi ropes unsuspecting people (who in most cases, can't afford it) to drive from DeLand to Altamonte (at their own expense, they NEVER help or provide tax write off forms) for what little vet care the animals receive. If anyone brings an animal from ARK into Florida Wild, they will throw you out. Even if you plan on paying from your own pocket. Why is that?
As stated many times over, Maggi has her well trained lap dogs ready to destroy the lives of ANYONE who crosses her. The police are well aware of this fact now. Maggi is stupid enough to use her same old tricks even after all of this. That is why she got away with this so long. The police know who filed the complaints. That's all that matters for now.
Read your own comments people. Maggi had 126 animals in 1800sf of house. At least one kitten is dead. So that means one of two things; she brought it in sick or allowed it to get sick later.
Either way, ALL of those animals have been exposed. Had someone come there with money she would have allowed them to adopt one of those animals and take them home. Now they themselves (there are many things animals carry that can get humans sick too) and any other animals they have are exposed. If they take the animal out for a walk or anything else, any other animal they come across is now exposed. All it takes is ONE animal to cause an epidemic in a community. How can you people stand behind that?
My name is Karen Winslow and I live in Orlando.
Now I dare you two COWARDS TO POST YOUR REAL NAMES!
But of course bullies like you always hide!
If Peta had their way no one would ever own a pet. They are nothing more then an IRS registered terror group doing everything they can to shut down rescues.
Karen must be a member along with you cowards.
Look at what you people have posted about Karen just in these comments (one of the few places that allow for not giving your name, I wonder why this article has so many more than the others?). Is it any wonder why no one else allowed for their name to be published? I wonder how many complaints and reports have been filed on Karen since this happened. Not by Maggi of course, she has her lap dogs file them so they are the ones sued and not her.
KARMA has bitten Maggi in the a** big time. I pray she is remembering every bit of heartache and pain she has caused for both humans and animals alike, all for the sake of stroking her ego and making money. But then, I don't think sociopaths are capable of that.
Also - "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana, The Life of Reason or The Phases of Human Progress: Reason in Common Sense 284 (2nd ed., Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, New York 1924
Yes, I studied history to learn from past mistakes made by powerful people - Hitler being one of them. But this concept is probably above your scope of intelligence. Oh well, I tried!!
IF MAGGI HALL DID NOT POINT OUT TO THE REPORTERS THAT I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT ACROSS THE STREET, YOU KNOW "THE ONE WHO DID THIS" THE REPORTERS WOULD NEVER HAD ASKED QUESTIONS. SO AGAIN, BLAME HER._______________
I STATED TO ALL THAT I NEVER STEPPED FOOT ON THE PROPERTY.
I PASSED MANY MONTHS OF OTHER PERSON'S CONCERNS ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE PLACE:ANIMALS IN NEED OF CARE BECAUSE THEY PERSONALLY FEARED RETALIATION FROM MAGGI, HER FOLLOWERS AND SUPPORTERS INDIVIDUALLY OR IN CONCERT. SUCH AS IS HAPPENING NOW. AS FOR THE COMMENTS REFERRING TO THE SPECIAL MEETING AT THE CITY COMMISSION WEEKS AGO: I NEVER SAID ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH ARK. I DID REPEAT MAGGI'S OWN REMARK ABOUT THE "STINK" THERE. IT IS A RECORDED MEETING AVAILABLE TO ALL._____
AGAIN, I HAD NO PERSONAL HAND IN THE STATUS OF CONDITIONS WITHIN THE STRUCTURE. THERE WAS A COMPLIANCE ORDER PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. THE ANIMALS ARE BETTER OFF. NO MATTER WHERE THEY GO. AND IF SHE GETS THEM BACK, THERE WILL BE MANY EYES LOOKING OUT FOR THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITION OF THEM. SO THE ANIMALS MAY WIN IN THE END._________
Of course you studied and embraced Hitler you control freak kind always do. At least when you are trolling online you are off the streets not annoying people with REAL LIVES!
(It seems ARK supporters don't have a leg to stand on so they attack other people!)
What a HORRIBLE MEAT EATING PERSON YOU MUST BE!
When people disagree with you your response is to personally threaten them. Lay off the meat you might become a nicer person. What have you done to help animals besides eat them?
You should take my prior advice about keeping your mouth closed - or learn to spell and punctuate! A LOT can change in 6 weeks! What was clean then, can go downhill fast with so many animals in a small space. And, is it in the best interest of over 100 other animals to bring sick ones into the midst of all of them? Isn't that what we have VETS for?? Our judicial system is "Innocent until proven guilty" - check your facts!! I have no personal vendetta - but I do like the TRUTH. Some people wouldn't know it if it were to bite them in the rear!!
I was at ARK just 6 weeks ago and the kennels were very clean and the animals well cared.
As for the kitten and other sick cats, you DO NOT KNOW the condition they were in when they arrived at ARK. People frequently dump sick animals off at shelters and rescues.
In addition feral cats are often ill.
You clearly have your head in the sand and a personal vendetta.
Our legal system is such that any one can falsely accuse another
and it is up to the accused to prove their innocence. It happens every day in divorces, child welfare cases, etc. It only takes one person with a vendetta to due great harm to another.
I am ashamed that my taxes go to pay the salaries of these people who are so appallingly uneducated in animal welfare. I’m ashamed that I live in Deland, this wonderful university town, with such evil that causes animals to suffer. Go ahead, Karen and Animal Control, cordon off the property, show your power by rounding up frightened animals. It takes an evil woman to laugh and say, “This is the happiest day of my life” while watching the traumatized look in these poor animals’ eyes as they were taken away from safety and security. It takes an evil heart to get pleasure from hurting a lady who has dedicated herself to trying to make a better life for those whose future was bleak.
Why did Animal Control not work with ARK to help the situation, if there were problems there? Because Karen Clark and her cronies are all on an ego trip, carrying a human vendetta. So they make third-grade mentality remarks, and wallow in the fact that they’ve hurt Maggie Hall, who has a heart of gold, instead of using their energy to rescue the homeless animals living on the streets of Deland, care for them, shelter them, and find them forever homes. It makes me so sad. But remember, all of you, there’s always karma. Shame on ALL of you!
Well the kitten just died.
I am SO sorry to hear that! But I'll personally see that the judge knows about it. Rest in peace little one - your earthy troubles are over. I'm so sorry that some scumbag humans didn't care for you and allowed you to get so sick!
As for you, Maggie Hall and your volunteers who failed this kitten and 125 more of God's creatures -- I hope you have nightmares forever about this little one!!
For shame~~~why not do the best You can and let others do the same!! And while you are at it, do Not forget what All those people are going thru still as we argue, in the states hit by Sandy!!!!!!God will Bless You anyway!!!
It's interesting that Dr. Holder will not help ARK dogs; wonder why?? I suspect that Maggi Hall is using ARK as a money-maker for herself under the non-profit umbrella. Perhaps the IRS should examine ARK (and Maggi's) books; might be something VERY interesting there!!
Maggi compares herself to CHRIST on the ARK website. She definitely thinks that she is better than the rest of us, that she is above the law and untouchable! This is KARMA - it'll get you every time, Maggie. I just hope that the dogs and cats will be returned to good health and placed in LOVING homes - NOT returned to ARK. And that the world will finally see your TRUE, SELFISH colors!!
” Karen Clark, director of anotheranimal-welfare group, We Help Animals, was on the scene as police officers worked inside ARK. Clark said she was one of the people who filed written complaints about the shelter.”
About the vet post - you have to remain anonymous or else you'll have people like My36 Paws knocking on your door. I commend your efforts in helping these animals!
Also, Maggie Hall...why didn;t your daughter, Dr Erin Holder with Florida Wild Veterinary Hospital,help these animals? In fact when I fostered one of your animals, Dr Holder turned me away when it needed medical attention. her staff became very rude and said that Dr Holder doesn;t deal with ARK animals anymore. I even told them that I would pay for all of the medical expenses from my own pocket but Dr H refused to see anything connected to ARK. Why would your own daughter turn away animals from your organization? We know that you had heavily promoted her hospital for years and all of the sudden that stopped.
Oh, and the dog that I fostered for you - it died - but ARK never followed up on it - even after I spend >$1,000 on veterinary expenses (BTW NOT at Florida Wild Vet Hosp) trying to get its diabetes under control - I called to tell ARK but never heard back from you guys. What a disgrace.
Why not meet and discuss this and other issues that are out there with "fellow animal" people that care so passionately. Let me know.
To Karen Clark
Really all you did was provide a lead?
No you went out of your way to claim your 15 minutes of fame with the media and make your nasty comments. In addition the news article has you associated with a rescue.
To the VET post.
If you really are a vet involved how about posting your real name. Isn't it unethical and a breach of confidentiality to discuss the condition of the animals?
I am not personally associated with any rescue or shelter. I know many of various "Rescue" owners and founders, but I am not affiliated with any one in particular. As for being around when this was happening, I am on the City of Deland's animal related contact list. I also answered questions from the media when asked why I was there. I wanted to express the fact to the media, the truth. I complimented their founder Maggi Hall for her concept, and the love given to the animals by the staff but I also wanted the media to know this was an ongoing investigation and to ask for compliance reports for their stories. You know, being "Fair & Balanced". The one's who are suffering were the animals. Most persons in this line of dedication just wants her to be in compliance with the law.
Really all you did was provide a lead?
No you went out of your way to claim your 15 minutes of fame with the media and make your nasty comments. In addition the news article has you associated with a rescue.
To the VET post.
If you really are a vet involved how about posting your real name. Isn't it unethical and a breach of confidentiality to discuss the condition of the animals?
Also I transported for ARK once, a cocker spaniel that they feared had heartworm. One look underneath her showed that the vet in Altamonte had used normal sutures for her spay. We'll low bellied dog + non sealed wound= infection and it was a bad one. I wouldn't bring a goldfish to that vet.
Now I do have to say that this place has nothing on Journey's End..at least they tried to clean. That place had roaches everywhere in the cat house when I helped there as a teen.
WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!! A Warrant issued because KAREN CLARK Says she Knows Volunteers who FED her Info??? SHAME On DELAND PD,STate Atty, And The Freakin' JUDGE who Signed Off On This!!!! HEARSAY Gets YOU a Visit By The POLICE with WARRANT In Hand??? Who's NEXT People???? WE Are So Screwed....YOU just Dont Know It Yet, Cause they Have NOT come For YOU YET!!!!
WHAT I GAVE WAS SOMETHING CALL A "LEAD". THIS WAS ADDED TO OTHER PRIOR AND FUTURE COMPLAINTS AFTER MY LEAD. THAT BUILT PLUS ADDING IN CODE ENFORCEMENT, AND ANIMAL CONTROL OBSERVATIONS. DO NOT BE STUPID TO BELIEVE THEY RELIED ON A SINGLE " LEAD OR TIP" THIS TOOK MONTHS TO GET TO THIS SITUATION.
Yes indeed TRIPLE SHAME ON KAREN CLARK!
If she TRULY cared about the animals why didn't she go to ARK and ask if her rescue could lend a hand? Karen had to know that her SECOND HAND ACCUSATIONS could cause MANY MANY euthanizations by overcrowding the shelters. Certainly not the actions of a true rescuer and animal lover. Karen Clark jeopardized those dogs and cats.
Maybe someone should check out her facilities, paperwork, and fosters. Perhaps a peek in to her financials too. Interesting to see if Karen Clark is making money and wants ”the competition” out of the picture. What's your real agenda Karen? MAGGI HALL AND FELLOW ARK FOLLOWERS ALLOWED THIS CONDITION OF OVER CROWDING TO HAPPEN, NOT ME. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT "JUST PASSED ON INFORMATION" WAS USED. THAT IS USUALLY CALLED A "LEAD" ANY POLICE INVESTIGATIONS PROCEED WITH ACTUAL DOCUMENTATION OF FIRST HAND WITNESSES. DID YOU KNOW THERE WAS A CITATION FROM CODE ENFORCEMENT A WHILE AGO AND THEY WERE GIVEN AMPLE TIME, I BELIEVE MORE THAN USUAL TO CLEAN UP AND GET THINGS IN ORDER? IT IS PUBLIC RECORD. THIS JUST DID NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.
*PLUS I DO NOT HAVE A RESCUE AND HANDLE ANIMALS IN ANYWAY. I SOMETIMES TRANSPORT SOME TO LOCAL VETS BECAUSE OF DISABILITIES AND CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THE OWNERS CAN'T DRIVE. ALL AT NO CHARGE. I NETWORK WITH PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS WITH THEIR NEEDS. COMPLAINTS ARE THROUGH US BECAUSE OF RETRIBUTION AGAINST WHISTLE BLOWERS. SUCH AS PEOPLE ARE DOING NOW.EG: YOURSELF.
*THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS COMPETITION IN RESCUE, UNLESS THERE IS PROFIT, GREED MOTIVATION IN IT FOR THE RESCUE. HIGH PRICES FOR SMALL DOGS ETC
You people need to get your heads out of your asses and wake up to what is really going on.
"We got 10 dogs from Hope last transport On the way down 5 other pups died of heat exhuastion When they got to Aloma Jancey those 5 were tested for parvo it was negative I am assuming they tested all 5 and just 1 of them One of the chi's that ARK pulled and Judy was fostering Died of Parvo within the 1st 24 hrs Judys foster coco had babies 6 wks ago and now 2 of the babies are sick and tested positive for parvo"
Maggi and ARK have helped countless people with vetting/with treatment of animals they could not afford to provide. They have taken in and saved/rehomed the animals you all refused to take responsibility for! They have taken care of every last animal that has been dumped on them, abandoned, hurt and unwanted. Never have they gone hungry, Never have they been without medical treatment. They may not be on a sofa but they are sheltered, fed and cared for by many people that dedicate their lives and time to make a difference, unlike you big mouths that only have time to stick your noses in someone elses business and cause problems!
This has nothing to do with the conditions the animals were kept in and it had nothing to do with any neglect. They may have had too many ~ thanks to ignorant ppl that will not take care of their own animals. This was just an attack on Maggi Hall and what better way to get at her than to destroy what she cares about most, the animals. She has never had a problem speaking up for the rights of animals, for making their voice count...whether others agreed or not. She did not back down because it angered people, she fought for the animals no matter what and that pissed some people off. You know who you are, and there will be a special place in **** for you. Unfortunately in my opinion it will not be soon enough. As for the comment that was made about this 'being the best day of your life' watching while you just ruined a facility that saved lives while you rejoice in destroying them is beyond words.
Maggi has done nothing but help the city of Deland with their animal control problems and this is a total outrage. The sad part after all is said and done the only ones that suffer for all of this showboating, revenge and hatefulness are the animals. They were uprooted, man handled, scared, confused and traumatized by your actions and in the end may even lose their lives. You should not be able to lay your heads down and sleep at night!
WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!! A Warrant issued because KAREN CLARK Says she Knows Volunteers who FED her Info??? SHAME On DELAND PD,STate Atty, And The Freakin' JUDGE who Signed Off On This!!!! HEARSAY Gets YOU a Visit By The POLICE with WARRANT In Hand??? Who's NEXT People???? WE Are So Screwed....YOU just Dont Know It Yet, Cause they Have NOT come For YOU YET!!!!
You know NOTHING about this case, apparently. Karen Clark is being "blamed" because she has the courage to stand up to Maggi Hall and try to get some justice and help for the animals. Most people CAN'T speak up because Maggi Hall will find a way to retaliate - even to the point of filing FALSE charges!! But you know all about how that works - right??
I'm sure you strongly believe that but just to let you know. One person Karen Clark can not be held responsible for the city's actions. It takes more than that to have cause to go to a judge and ask for a warrant. If you want to place blame on anyone place it on the owners that decide after 7 years of having this animal as a family member they decide for whatever reason they can't keep them anymore. Or they allow their un-altered animals to breed and then need to get rid of the puppies or kittens. Turn their cats out to fend for themselves which get picked up as strays. Instead of adopting they buy from backyard breeders. I've worked as a vet tech for over 10 years now both in the humane system and in private practice. I still see people everyday that don't want to spay or neuter their animals. Even though there are low cost options out there. We need to stop looking at animals as property, and remember they're living, breathing caring members of your family. I don't want to sound cold harded and I'm not, but we have to realize there are'nt enough homes for them all. And it's unethical to place the extremely sick and aggressive ones in homes.
Maggi Hall's fosters (with Hall's knowledge) posted dogs on craigslist and did NO home checks. In fact, it is my understanding that very few homes are checked prior to ARK releasing dogs and no follow-up is ever done. I am a true animal lover and believe that every dog possible should be saved. Realistically, with puppy mills and backyard breeders unregulated in the US, there are going to be MILLIONS of dogs and cats euthanized yearly in the US. However, not to check to see where an animal is going is irresponsible! Euthanasia in an animal shelter is much more humane than being thrown into a dog-fighting ring or spending years in a research lab. I fear that that is what is happening with some of ARK's dogs and cats. I have no proof of actual cases of this happening, but I do know that ARK has lost several dogs in the past few years - never to know what happened to them. With a budget of $100k a year, there is NO EXCUSE for the conditions that the animals were found in yesterday. ARK needs a leader who cares about the animals and not about selling them at a profit!! This makes them dog BROKERS - NOT RESCUERS!!
Maggi Hall (though her husband's connection there) also caused several employees at the Stetson gift shop to be fired a couple of years ago because they asked her grandson to be careful handling delicate items! Another example of her getting her way - or else!!
The shelters are packed. They will euthanize animals already there to make space for the ARK animals. Karen Clarks spiteful actions will cost lives not save any.
@Belisa | posted Nov 9, 2012 - 12:18:04pm
As for Karen Clark, cut that god awful hair. You should be ashmed and confess your sins. You will be reckoned with in the end cause karma is real.
That place is beautiful compared to what used to be there.
LEAVE THEM ALONE!
First of all, my long waist length hair will soon be a gift to some cancer patient via "Locks Of Love" (Hair donated is made into hair pieces and wigs)) Secondly, I have nothing to be ashamed of, I did not allow the place to get in that condition, The owners of ARK did. What used to be there was a real estate office. So how is this better than what was there before?
If she TRULY cared about the animals why didn't she go to ARK and ask if her rescue could lend a hand? Karen had to know that her SECOND HAND ACCUSATIONS could cause MANY MANY euthanizations by overcrowding the shelters. Certainly not the actions of a true rescuer and animal lover. Karen Clark jeopardized those dogs and cats.
Maybe someone should check out her facilities, paperwork, and fosters. Perhaps a peek in to her financials too. Interesting to see if Karen Clark is making money and wants ”the competition” out of the picture. What's your real agenda Karen?
However, when there is only one litter box for more than 10 cats that's over filled with a tarp over it and there's dried up old, and new feces everywhere it tend to make you wonder.
How is it that the other animals shelters are able to provide for their animals without their surroundings being this way?
That place is beautiful compared to what used to be there.
LEAVE THEM ALONE!
Leave these compassionate, kind people alone!!!
Cottingham Realty used to be at the front of the house.
I guess that place really did go to the dogs:)
Read the story people - she had TWO visits with things to correct and THEN the seizure. I don't know the person who made the complaint - but from what I experienced with the ABSOLUTE LACK OF ORGANIZATION OR THOUGHT -I believe this is justified.
At the time of adoption, Dr Holder made sure the cat was up-to-date with shots. I was in the basement of the facility, and IT WAS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE!!!
Tabatha Mercer SC
According to the article no medical attention was needed.
Any time there are a large number of cats there is odor, cat urine is strong.
Plus the police arrived early in the morning prior to runs and litter boxes being cleaned from the evening and night.
Many veterinarian offices and EVERY animal shelter I have been in have an odor.
I wonder if this BEN the sheriff will ever do something about that 30,000 acres which is west deland? Probably not. Hasn't give a dam for 8 years I lived in Deland. He is a drunk.
when criminals in this world appear
and break the laws that they should fear
and frighten all who see or hear
the cry goes up both far and near
for Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!
speed of lightning, roar of thunder
fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog. Underdog!
when in this world the headlines read
of those whose hearts are filled with greed
who rob and steal from those who need
to right this wrong with blinding speed
goes Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!
speed of lightning, roar of thunder
fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog. Underdog!
Maggi Hall is great.
Clearly the woman who made the complaint against her has some type of personal agenda. Shame on Karen who admits her information is all second hand. Some people just want their 15 minutes of fame as she certainly was not shy about posing for the paper!
something just doesn;t sound right
how about we keep them in our thoughts and hope it all works out
can't imagine doing that kind of work w/o your heart being in the right place
Maggi saved a dog that had been sexually abused, two feral Indian Reservation dogs she found out west while on vacation that required transportation and a great deal of medical care.
Maggi has been politically active in Deland to stop euthanization and encourage TNR to control the feral cat population.
When a strong dedicated woman tries to change the system there is always some malicious person, in this case a vicious woman, who hates animals, Maggi, and change.
This was very politically motivated. We need to start a legal fund to help Maggi and ARK.
WE All need to call the Mayor, Police Chief, and Animal Control to voice our concerns that these VERY ADOPTABLE dogs and cats are not being put down. Deborah Splitstone
It was clear that these people cared greatly for the animals, but they simply did not have the means to take as many of them in as they did.
Perhaps they can reform, and more people will be inclined to help in the future.
I don't doubt they don't love and care about animals, but they were way in over their heads.
I went in there when they were having their car wash and dog adoption event a few months ago.
I asked to see their cats because I wanted to see about giving a rescue kitty a good home.
The urine and feces smell was overwhelming! The first floor was packed with some cats up front, dogs in the middle, and tons of cats in this tiny gated back room (I was told the kitties in that room were sick.)
However, nothing prepared me for what was upstairs....
Tons of cats in one room - there had to have been like 20 of them at least! They were all roaming free in the room save maybe 4 cats who were in cages at the front of the room...
Poop and random debris were all over the floor. Some of the poop was fresh, other piles looked old. I suspect it was because the litter box that looked like it hadn't been changed in forever! It even had a small clear tarp over it. and the smell oh my goodness.
Half the cats were sneezing, and wheezing. Most of them did not look like they were in good health.
I do not know the owner of the shelter personally, but I HAVE seen what goes on in there and it is certainly NOT in the best interest of these poor animals.
Just think of all the needy, homeless, welfare, food stamp and low income people that could be fed with all that meat. Grind it up into ground beef and they will never know the difference. Tax dollars saved. Your welcome!
I'm not sure. As soon as I know what types of animals are in there, I'll post it on this story.
I believe the majority are dogs and cats, though.
Because this is an active investigation, the police are unable to provide me more information.
Deputy Chief Henderson has assured me he'll fill in the blanks as soon as possible.
Kind of sounds like our political system!
They referenced complaints that are current and from a previous visit, hopefully we will get more information on this.
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