Shocking videos that surfaced from Columbus Animal Care & Control have sparked city council members to call for an investigation.

Last week, Columbus Animal Allies released videos acquired through an open records request from Columbus Animal Care & Control’s security cameras. These videos were recorded between 4 and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, a day when the facility euthanized 12 healthy, adoptable dogs due to a lack of space.

“The most disturbing video, a 45-minute clip, shows the botched “euthanasia” of a dog named Chai, an owner surrender who was described as affectionate and getting along with dogs, cats and all people,” Allie Johnson, the Co-Founder of Columbus Animal Allies, said. “. In the video, Chai is injected with at least 4 syringes of FatalPlus in attempted IV euthanasia before getting an injection in the heart (“heart stick”). She remains alive for as long as 37 minutes.”

NOTE: documents that staff are required by law to fill out accurately state falsely that Chai was killed by IV euthanasia. They also state tranquilizer was used, which is unclear in the video. Public Works Director Drale Short previously stated falsely on video at an animal control advisory board meeting that CACC staff does not do “heart stick” euthanasia, and City Manager Isaiah Hugley falsely stated the same, in an email sent before the video came out. 

“Before Chai was killed, two staff members complained that they would have to stay late at work because “you know who” will try to do IV euthanasia and “f-ing can’t do it.” One added that they should “just” do a “heart stick” to get it done quickly,” Johnson added in a press release Monday afternoon.

The videos also reveal “unprofessional” comments from management and staff, including:

• CACC Manager Canita Hardnett-Johnson says that, if she could, she would open the gate and door of the facility and tell the dogs: “Get out!” as staff members laugh.
• A staff member comments that staff could have their “own little fighting ring.”
• Staff members mock and disparage a community member whe volunteers with CACC dogs and who had just adopted a dog that day.

Columbus GA city council member Toyia Tucker, in an email to colleagues, called for an investigation into “incidents of unprofessional conduct and inhumane treatment by our employees at CACC.” Tucker described the events shown in the video footage as “deeply troubling, disturbing, and unacceptable.”

City council member Walker Garrett stated in an email that he is investigating and plans to request an executive session at Tuesday’s city council meeting to discuss the videos and CACC leadership. 

City manager Isaiah Hugley stated in an email that he had directed deputy city manager Lisa Goodwin to investigate and report findings to him.

“Columbus Animal Allies and other community members are calling for an INDEPENDENT investigation of CACC as well as removal of CACC from under Public Works,” Johnson said. “Allowing the city manager’s office to conduct an “investigation” of abuses by employees the city manager hired, championed and continues to defend in the face of mounting evidence of gross mismanagement, unprofessional behavior, deception and animal cruelty is unacceptable and likely to focus on covering for favored employees, not uncovering the truth.”

Animal advocates have been raising serious concerns about inhumane treatment of animals, possible violations of state law, falsification of records, and other issues at CACC for well over a year. Advocates hope an independent investigation of CACC will reveal the ongoing systemic issues at CACC and hold those responsible accountable.

Local animal advocates will speak before the city council, during the public agenda portion of the meeting on Tuesday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Muscogee County School Board Chambers at 2960 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31906.