ANIMAL RIGHTS activist Cathy Fitzpatrick Sparks rallies support for Henry the family dog who was attacked and killed by another dog and nothing has been done.
ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST CATHY FITZPATRICK IS ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT MARTIN COUNTY’S LEASH LAWS
Martin County Fiscal Court was held on Thursday and resident Cathy Fitzpatrick Sparks was there in support of her cousin whose dog, Henry, who was was attacked and killed by a neighbor’s pit bull.
“The pit bull wandered into the property where Henry was,” thru the tears Sparks said, “He was attacked in the driveway on his own land. His name was Henry and a part of the family.”
Sparks describes Henry as a gentle loving dog who would go to church with them, he would just be sitting there listening and waiting.
The pit bull that killed Henry lives on Poplar Fork, a mile from Spark’s house on Jake Perry Road.
Sparks is rallying support for Henry and shining a light on the animal problem in Martin County.
She had this to say to Lazer viewers, “We need to do something to help pet owners who have to go through the torture of losing their pets, and people who lose sleep because the dog next door is chained up or starving or thirsty and just howling and barking and keeping people awake,” Sparks implored. “I’m asking the court to step up and help us do something for our community.”
The county must adopt an ordinance that makes dog owners responsible, prohibits them from allowing their dogs to roam freely and holds them accountable.
“Those owners need to step up,” she said. “If their dog attacks another dog, they need to be responsible for that. All of this—not just stray dogs and the issues at the shelter—needs to be included in an ordinance.”
Assistant Martin County Attorney Lynette Muncy suggested a homeowners’ insurance claim could address damages.
Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty expressed condolences but pointed to logistical hurdles. The county’s animal shelter has just eight kennels, he said, and they are perpetually full.
“When we get the call for the ninth dog, we have nowhere to put it,” Lafferty admitted. “Legally, we can’t take possession of it if we don’t have a place to put it.”
Sheriff Kirk Judge Lon Lafferty
Sherriff John Kirk say’s “We need a leash law”. Kirk proposed a licensing system—$8 to $10 per dog annually—to fund the shelter. He also suggested collars or microchips to identify dog owners, alongside a $20 retrieval fee for stray pickups.
“Either they pick it up or they lose their dog,” Kirk said. “Everybody needs to be responsible for their pets. I know this is not popular with some hunters, but it’s the right thing to do.”
Kirk identified the pit bull’s owner but said he cannot act without a leash law.
“There isn’t a lot I can do about the dog that attacked,” Kirk said. “I can talk to these people and ask them to keep their dog home, but I can’t force them.” “But without some type of ordinance, my hands are tied,” he said.
Sparks told the Lazer “She would like to thank Sheriff Kirk for his support and that she was disappointed with the Fiscal court not taking more action, however I appreciate they are looking into the process to get an ordinance passed. I will be at the next meeting and as many as it takes to get a comprehensive ordinance.”
Sparks would like to invite anyone who is in support of this to join her at the next meeting. If you would like to attend the next Fiscal Court meeting it is Thursday, February 20th at 5pm in the courtroom on the second floor of the Martin County Government Center. The Fiscal Court meets every third Thursday at 5pm.