A question about fines.

[HurricaneRJ]

It's a long story but I just want to ask a simple question.

I was cited by the health department of Columbus GA saying that I have to quarantine my dog for 6 months. Since I live out in the middle of the woods with Racoons and Possums. Well I signed a piece of paper saying that i acknowledge this and that I agreed to put my dog up in isolation. Well just today a Rabies Control officer called me saying that I have to either kill the puppies or keep them quarantined by themselves for 6 months as well. Well I've already gave most of them away but I can get charged since I wasn't issued nor signed saying that I agreed to quarantinte the puppies. I gave them away last week and I was just told today to put up the puppies.

So is there any legal trouble there?

[Zulu 36]

It's a long story but I just want to ask a simple question.

I was cited by the health department of Columbus GA saying that I have to quarantine my dog for 6 months. Since I live out in the middle of the woods with Racoons and Possums. Well I signed a piece of paper saying that i acknowledge this and that I agreed to put my dog up in isolation. Well just today a Rabies Control officer called me saying that I have to either kill the puppies or keep them quarantined by themselves for 6 months as well. Well I've already gave most of them away but I can get charged since I wasn't issued nor signed saying that I agreed to quarantinte the puppies. I gave them away last week and I was just told today to put up the puppies.

So is there any legal trouble there?
Well, I'm not a lawyer, nor familar with Georgia law, but it seems to me if you only signed to keep the b*tch in isolation and not the puppies, it is kind of an "Oh well" situation for animal control. If you still had the pups, then perhaps you would be on the hook to hold them.

You might be required to inform them who got the pups.

And six months? Rabies usually presents much faster than that in dogs (and people).

Unfortunately the only test I know of to check for rabies in dogs is to test the brain. Of course the dog has to die for that to happen.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

You could well be facing a problem. If you had to keep the dog in quarantine it would follow that if it had puppies the rule would apply to them. Common sense tells me that it applies- I wouldn't have even considered thinking otherwise. But, it is too late for that now. Be helpful and respectful to the animal control people and see if you can work things out.

[HurricaneRJ]

I've been all but helpful and more cooperative, but this lady keeps on threating to force me to buy $800 dollar kennels for the 5 puppies remaining. She is not even a vet and she keeps making all the claims that are doubt are true. I'm heading out tommorrow and getting the puppies some vacinations and shot and get them licensed. I'll keep this updated as I know she is calling tomorrow.

Also Cpl. E4B. When I was issued the quarantine papers, she only told me to keep Mom up and she said she was unsure about the puppies. The Puppies are eight weeks of age so their not even dependent on the mom.

I hope that I've not broken any law that requies jail time.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

The lady you're talking to doesn't sound like the brightest person in the world- but you have to deal with the people you have to deal with. Just keep kissing her butt and you'll be better off for it.

They can't make you buy a kennel for dogs you don't have. If they don't like the fact that you gave the dogs away that is something you'll have to deal with. But remember, without a court order they can't make you do much of anything.

As for jail time, I highly doubt it. Jails are over crowded. They're not putting you in a valuable bed space for something like this. I'd doubt this ever turns into more than them being a pain as long as you stay respectful and nice to them.

[tntmondy]

I would consult your vet. Then a lawyer.

[HurricaneRJ]

Cpl. Mondy. I consulted a vet today, and I found some interesting facts that the Rabies Control Officer has been feeding me are obvisouly not true.

The only way my dog can get rabies from a rabid Raccon is from a bite. I know for a fact that my dog has not been bitten. Neither has her puppies. Since I live in the back woods and away from the city, I'm pretty confident that the raccoons probaby came up to get some dog food, but was turned away since I have two big dogs and not to mention Pit Bulls.

The RCO said that rabies can be transferred by nose to nose touch. Like before Two Pitbulls and a raccon. i doubt the puppies were no where near the raccoon nor will I think the dogs would let an animal nor a person get near them.

Now the hard part is getting a lawyer. I'm broke.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

You probably won't need a lawyer at this point. Get a letter from the vet that explains that your dog couldn't be infected and send it (by certified mail) to the RCO. Keep a copy for yourself and record all correspondence with the woman from now on. If you end up needing a lawyer those things will help a great deal.

[rvillac2]

Sorry, I'm struggling to see why this is a Marine topic.

[HurricaneRJ]

Just an update. Went to court this morning. Was found guilty in which I was, i'll admit. It was a misdameanor and I payed the $30 Dollar fine. I dropped off my court documents to my recruiter (He wasn't there.), and proved that I payed the fine instead of going to jail for 4 days.

Now since it's all payed off, with no probabtion or any jail time. Is there any reason to worry about at all?

[Zulu 36]

Just an update. Went to court this morning. Was found guilty in which I was, i'll admit. It was a misdameanor and I payed the $30 Dollar fine. I dropped off my court documents to my recruiter (He wasn't there.), and proved that I payed the fine instead of going to jail for 4 days.

Now since it's all payed off, with no probabtion or any jail time. Is there any reason to worry about at all?

You need to discuss this with your recruiter, not us. My answer to your question is: "It depends."

[DWG]

Unless your real name is Michael Vick, I fail to see a problem! Going into canine handler in the Corps?:D

[Chumley]

HurricaneRJ,

Just keep your recruiter in the loop on everything! because of the misdemeanor, you may end up with a waiver of sorts, but once this is aired I feel you will be OK. That is what waivers are for.

Continue to document everything, and get all you facts aligned.

[HurricaneRJ]

Well spoke to my recruiter. I don't need a waiver since my Misdamenor is an Enviromental offense. (Eco Terrorist) and not a criminal one. The good thing is my recruiters wife has adopted one of the puppies.:thumbup:

Thanks for the input Marines.

This topic is over.