Despite the terrible things that natural disasters bring, recent events such as Hurricane Florence also show just how caring dog lovers are. Take Ali Standish, who inspired dozens of people to line up and foster dogs before the impending storm hit the Carolinas last week. But one good samaritan was arrested after rescuing over two dozen dogs and cats from the hurricane’s wrath, as reported by The Dogington Post.
Tammie Hedges, who is based in North Carolina, runs Crazy’s Claws n Paws, a non-profit organization that provides low-income families with pet food, assists in veterinary bills, and helps with supplies and other needs. Her brush with the law occurred while she was turning a warehouse space into a shelter before Hurricane Florence made landfall. Throughout the torrential rain, Hedges and the Crazy’s Claws n Paws team watched a total of 27 animals—10 cats, 17 dogs—for the duration, ensuring the animals were well fed, cared for and kept safe.
But after Florence finished incurring her wrath, Hedges got a call from Wayne County Animal Services regarding the animals, per the The Dogington Post. Because the facility wasn’t registered as an animal shelter, animal control seized all 27 animals and took them to an official county shelter, while also charging Hedges for her efforts.
And the charges weren’t small: Hedges was arrested on the following charges: 1 count of administering amoxicillin to Big Momma, 1 count of administering Tramadol to Big Momma, 3 counts of administering amoxicillin to a white Siamese cat, 3 counts of administering a topical antibiotic ointment (triple antibiotic from Dollar Tree) to a white Siamese cat, 3 counts of administering amoxicillin to a cat known as Sweet Pea, 1 count of administering amoxicillin to an unnamed black kitten, and 1 count of solicitation to commit a crime (asking for donation of Tramadol), the non-profit explained on Facebook.
With a court date set for October 17, Hedges was released on $10,00 bail, but a petition’s already been started urging the Carolina county to drop the charges—make sure to sign the petition here. UPDATE: Looks like the charges have been dismissed, although Hedges is awaiting official confirmation.