Break The Chain Pit Bull Rescue-Transport

Current mood: determined

Rally for Boss prior to court hearing on Friday Photo by Jeremy Belk Leslie Woody, President of Break the Chains Pit Bull Rescue, gets some attention from Boss, a pit bull that was dragged behind a vehicle in McMinn County. Boss' former owner now faces animal cruelty charges. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Jeremy Belk Staff Writer Boss the Pit Bull is becoming a "poster child" for animal cruelty, and the subject of a rallying cry for animal control in McMinn County. James and Leslie Woody, of Break the Chains Pit Bull Rescue, were at the McMinn County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by Boss. The Woodys plan to be at the Courthouse again Friday when William Jacobs, 23, of Athens, is scheduled to appear in McMinn County General Sessions Court on an animal cruelty charge. The Woodys said Tuesday that anyone who wants to come out Friday to support them or the plight of animals in McMinn County is welcome. They said county and city officials have said it is all right for people to assemble as long as the sidewalks around the courthouse aren't blocked. Leslie Woody said what happened to Boss and information that is coming to light now about other animals allegedly adopted by Jacobs that are now missing is a reason McMinn County needs an animal control program. Currently, individual cities may have animal control programs and there is a county-wide animal shelter for animals to be brought to, but the McMinn County Sheriff's Department does not have an animal control officer. McMinn County Sheriff Steve Frisbie has said his department does not have the resources or manpower for a full-time animal control officer. Boss was allegedly dragged behind a vehicle accidentally by Jacobs after the dog was tied to the bumper. Eighteen days later, the Woodys learned of the incident and took custody of Boss again. Jacobs and a girlfriend had allegedly been treating the dog themselves at home. James Woody said accidents happen, and while it was a serious accident the alleged dragging of the dog did not constitute animal cruelty. Not taking Boss to a veterinarian for treatment was cruel, Woody said. Marc and Kemella Allyn, of Athens, were with the Woodys Tuesday at the Courthouse. Kemella Allyn said she has owned pit bull dogs for 25 years and loves that breed of dog. "They are very loving and loyal dogs,' Allyn said. The Allyns said after seeing the media attention about Boss, they met the Woodys recently at an animal cruelty event the Woodys held in their hometown of Lenior City. Jacobs has declined comment. * E-mail: jeremy.belk@dailypostathenian.com