Target: Matthew Delbridge, District Attorney for the 8th Judicial Circuit, North Carolina
Goal: Applaud that charges have been dropped against an animal rescuer who sheltered stranded cats and dogs during Hurricane Florence.
All charges have been dropped against the animal rescuer behind the organization known as Crazy’s Claws N Paws Animal Rescue, thanks in part to an overwhelming online response including petitions on ForceChange, such as this. Thousands of people nationwide and around the world came to the defense of animal rescuer Tammie Hedges, who faced the possibility of fines or even time in jail for her compassionate act of sheltering nearly 30 stranded cats and dogs in a warehouse shelter without first obtaining a permit.
The idea that someone could be charged with a crime for simply acting to save animals generated outrage and inspired hundreds of people to donate money to the organization and to help cover Hedges’ legal fees. In a Facebook post thanking concerned animal lovers for their support, the group stated that “this experience has unified rescues and has made our organization realize that not only do we need to be vigilant in our rescue efforts but, also in our legislative efforts to foster animal welfare laws that are conducive to actually helping owners, rescuers and animals.”
Now that these charges have been dismissed, Hedges can return to her organization’s important work of helping animals in need in Wayne County, North Carolina. Applaud the fact that this remarkable woman will not face punishment for simply doing the right thing at a desperate moment in time.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Delbridge,
You recently announced that all charges against Tammie Hedges, the organizer of Crazy’s Claws N Paws Animal Rescue, would be dropped after Wayne County animal services reported her for sheltering dozens of animals without a license during Hurricane Florence. Hedges was performing her duty as an animal rescuer by taking in these dogs and cats left stranded after their owners evacuated the area.
I applaud you for recognizing that Hedges acted out of compassion and did what any reasonable person would do when faced with the realization that innocent lives could be lost. I urge you not to file any additional charges as a result of this case so that this woman can continue her important work helping pets in need in North Carolina.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Belczynski
