BUTCH'S PLACE ANIMAL RESCUE

Family fights to prosecute woman accused of neglecting rescued animals

5 years ago, we came home to unimaginable horror. Brittany Hargroves had killed our precious Buttercup and cruelly neglected the rest of our animals. She trashed our home, kennel building, and land, with the help of Chris Tichenor.

Brittany Hargroves Tichenor pled guilty to felony animal cruelty in March 2014. Her sentence included a $1000 fine payable to Fayette County Animal Control, $2400 to us for the loss of Buttercup, and she is prohibited from “owning or possessing” animals for ten years. The judge also ordered that social services be notified, as she had 4 young children. Her partner, Chris Tichenor, was never charged.

Sharing will make sure that Google never forgets.

http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/23945301/family-fights-to-prosecute-woman-accused-of-neglecting-rescued-animals

wmcactionnews5.com A family that runs an animal rescue organization in Fayette County returned home from a trip to find one of their animals dead. They say the woman hired and trained to care of the animals cruelly

#FeelGoodFriday: Uptown Funk with shelter dogs!

Adorable!

chewonthis.maddiesfund.org Has there ever been a viral video that wouldn't have been better if it had more shelter dogs? Of course not, and the wild success of "Oaktown Punk" certainly proves the point. The East Bay SPCA in Northern California rewrote the words to the song 'Uptown Funk" to be about dog adoption. They

Every dollar helps pay for the transport of these homeless Southern cats to Maine, where loving forever homes await their arrival.

Our transport opportunity is approaching in March Please consider donating to help us pay for their transport.
Here is another sweet baby who will benefit from this generous opportunity. Meet Amelia. She has the most amazing eyes, beautiful markings and cutest white feet. She loves her cat tree and cuddle time too.
Amelia came to us from a high kill shelter. She was horribly scared and she would hide in her litter box. She had used up her time at the shelter and was quickly put on the euthanasia list because she was so scared and timid.
Once she came to us and got settled into her foster home, she came out of her shell and started to show what a sweetie she truly was. We want her to find the perfect home where she can flurished and show her sweet personality. Please help us get these cats to Maine and to their next step in finding forever homes. https://pledgie.com/campaigns/33411

Spring has sprung at the sanctuary! Note community cat Sharon's lovely tipped ear.

Let's help this beautiful baby get to Maine!!!

We told you that we had an amazing opportunity to save 20 cats from our local high-kill shelter. But I wanted to introduce you to one of those cats. This is Gabriella. This beautiful girl was sitting at the shelter, curled up in the corner. The longer she was there, the more unfriendly she became. She was stressed and confused after her family dumped her at the shelter because she was "no longer wanted". The shelter workers did not want to touch her because they were scared of her. She was quickly put on the euthanasia list. We knew this girl needed out so she could show what a wonderful personality she truly had. She needed someone to believe in her. Would you consider donating toward transporting Gabriella to Maine so she can find her forever family?
https://pledgie.com/campaigns/33411

Opportunity To Save 20 Cats!!!

Hi y'all!!! We're getting the band back together and... wait... we never had a band! But we DID transport many wonderful furry southern companions to loving homes in the Northeast, so that is what we'll do. Some fabulous rescue friends have the kitties and the Northern connection. We Whitfields have the transport skills. You've got a buck or two to spare. SWEET!!!

pledgie.com We are so excited to share our news... Cat Atrium, along with an amazing sister rescue, has an opportunity to help our local, high kill shelter save 20 cats! We have a very close relationship with a rescue partner in Maine and they have extended an am...

Penelope, local feral cat, spayed by our friends at Cat Atrium.
https://www.facebook.com/catatrium/

Toronto’s pit bulls are almost gone. So why are there more dog bites than ever?

As we all know, breed-specific legislation does not work.
https://www.facebook.com/pbrc.net/posts/10153543744527144

globalnews.ca Ontario's pit bull ban was supposed to reduce dog bites overall. So why are Toronto dog bite reports higher than they were when the ban was implemented?

Our darling Cadillac left this world today. Be free, sweet girl!

RJ and Cadillac. Remember her, found on the side of a rural road, chewed up from one end to the other and infected with heart worms? She's loving life now!

Shortcake (orange boy) and Cupcake, "barn" cats!

Found this sweet young dog Thursday, December 11 at 3:30 pm on Hwy 70 at the intersection of 196 in Gallaway, Fayette County, Tennessee. Any information maybe posted to this thread.

The Dog Formerly Known as Wrecking Ball (now Zeppelin) with his collection of partially-mangled stuff toys. If the toys are not yet mangled, they soon will be! Love to Zep and his wonderful dad!

Pit Bulls Are Not The Enemy

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152272221791130&id=18468761129

www.huffingtonpost.com It is truly astonishing how many otherwise progressive people consider their prejudice against pit bulls to be perfectly reasonable, when the data shows it isn't.

Just some bros hangin' in the west Tennessee heat.

These guys remind me of many of our adopters!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152219957111130&substory_index=0&id=18468761129

If a Virginia shelter can do it, so can we!! Who wants to go no-kill first: Memphis or Fayette County?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=786920671332179&substory_index=0&id=159092957448290

Thanks for sharing Charcoal's love for his bucket, Huffington Post!
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5353755?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

BUTCH'S PLACE ANIMAL RESCUE's cover photo

A dog with a job to do is a happy dog!

Quick update: Hargroves did get judicial diversion, but the terms were a VICTORY!!! Asst DA Mark Davidson and his staff fought the good fight and were more competent and prepared than we could have hoped. Our research was also invaluable, and most important of all, Tennessee's "T-Bo Act" was applied by the judge at our request, which we believe is a first in this type of case.

Hargroves was sentenced to two years of probation, $1000 fine plus court costs, may not own a companion animal for ten years, and was ordered to pay us $2400 under the "T-Bo Act" for the loss of Buttercup's companionship. Also at our request, the judge will notify social services to contact Hargroves as she is the caregiver of three minors (and is pregnant with a fourth). The judge asked to include our "Victim Impact Statement" in his notice to the child protection agency to make known the particularly heinous nature of the defendant's actions.

Should Hargroves violate ANY of the terms of her sentencing or commit a crime while under diversion, she can lose the diversion and be sentenced to prison.

Tomorrow, March 6, defendant Brittany Hargroves is scheduled to enter a guilty plea to felony animal cruelty and be sentenced in the Circuit Court of Fayette County, Tennessee. We have requested that we be allowed to address the Court before Hargroves sentencing is set.

Please keep our family in your thoughts as we attempt to secure justice for the animals.

Can you find Butchie in this picture? (Hint: he is behind Rosalita and under Sammy.) We're having three-dog DAYS in Tennessee!

Pack brothers Butch, Sammy, and Bossy. That's about 240 lbs of boy dogs in one pic!

As most of you know, we have not yet resumed "rescue" or adoption activity since moving to Tennessee. While we had hoped to be well on our way to helping re-home needy Tennessee animals by now (as we did for hundreds of Alabama animals over our years there), there has been another bump in the road. Until these issues are resolved, we must not undertake any rescue or adoption activities. Our personal pets are safe and not a matter in the issues we face.

In the meantime, we will focus our efforts on animal advocacy and activism. There is more than one way to skin a cat...um...save a pet...so bring it!! We're still in this together. The animals need us. Look for an exciting announcement at the beginning of the week!

Just a reminder of who the "bad" guy is in this situation. Every animal on this property is the personal pet of the Whitfield Family, and we have not engaged in animal rescue or adoption since arriving in the State of Tennessee. Stay tuned...

Rosie warming herself by the fire.

We apologize for keeping you waiting on the results of today's court hearing. Basically, nothing happened, the case is being moved to another court, and they are trying to drop the 37 Class A misdemeanor counts.

We want to have all the facts straight before a full update, and hope to have that to you later Tuesday.

Family fights to prosecute woman accused of neglecting rescued animals

Please keep the animals in your thoughts and prayers as Hargroves goes back to court tomorrow morning (November 18).

You can view WMCTV's report here:
http://www.americanownews.com/story/23945301/family-fights-to-prosecute-woman-accused-of-neglecting-rescued-animals

americanownews.com A family that runs an animal rescue organization in Fayette County returned home from a trip to find one of their animals dead. They say the woman hired and trained to care of the animals cruelly neglected them, resulting in the death of their dog, Buttercup.

Wednesday update (including how to fax a last minute letter to the judge):

The case against Brittany Hargroves will be before Judge Mike Whitaker on next Monday, November 18. Court starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Fayette County General Sessions Court at the Bill G. Kelley Criminal Justice Complex in Somerville, TN.

If you would like to write a letter, you can fax it to the Clerk's office and they will get it to Judge Whitaker. Fax number is 901-465-5215. Be sure to refer to: Case Number 24GS1-2013-CR-834, State of Tennessee vs Brittany Hargroves.

Many cases are heard, so it is impossible to know if Hargroves will be heard at 9:30 or later. We have not had to spend much more than an hour waiting at either of the two previous court dates. This could be (likely will be) the time Hargroves pleads guilty and is granted diversion. NOW may be our last chance to influence Judge Whitaker's sentencing of Hargroves.

As the late, great Roger Miller sang, just do it do it do it! Let your voice be heard.

Justin Hanson, reporter for WMCTV Action News 5, was out this morning to do a report on our cruelty case against Brittany Hargroves. It should air on their 6:00 evening news today. Here is a link to what is already up on the station's website:

http://www.wmctv.com/story/23945301/family-fights-to-prosecute-woman-accused-of-neglecting-rescued-animals

We will be back on court one week from tomorrow (November 18). Please get those letters sent ASAP if you haven't yet. If you plan to join us at the Justice Center for the court date, let us know and I will give you the details.

Much love, on behalf of ALL the animals of Fayette county and beyond...

A Call to Action

We would like to encourage you to express your opinion regarding the cruelty and neglect Brittany Hargroves committed against more than 38 animals, causing the death of Buttercup, to those in a position to affect her sentencing. We feel that letters are the most effective method.

The District Attorney has the power to oppose a deferment and to make suggestions to the court regarding Hargroves' sentencing. The District Attorney can also bring charges against Tichenor. The judge (we do not know for certain who the judge will be) has the final word, of course.

Mark Davidson, Assistant District Attorney
P.O. Box 38
Somerville, TN 38068

and

Fayette County General Sessions Court
P.O. Box 670
Somerville, TN 38068

Re: State of Tennessee vs Brittany Hargroves
Case Number 24GS1-2013-CR-834

Be sure to reference the case name and number at the top or in the beginning of your letter.

Our position is that Hargroves should be sentenced to the maximum penalties set in Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) 39-14-212 (Aggravated animal cruelty, one count) and TCA 39-14-202 (animal cruelty, 37 counts). We also believe that Tichenor should be charged with these crimes, as well as vandalism and criminal trespass.

Court date is November 18, 2013.

On behalf of the animals, much thanks.
BPAR

The Details

RIP Buttercup, killed by the cruelty and neglect of Brittany Hargroves and Chris Tichenor sometime prior to August 19 in Fayette County, TN. 37+ other animals also suffered from neglect and cruelty on Hargroves' watch. No charges have been brought against Tichenor. Hargroves was charged with one case of aggravated cruelty to animals (a Class E felony) and 37 (or more) charges of cruelty to animals (a Class A misdemeanor). State of Tennessee vs Brittany Hargroves, Case -2013-CR-834 in Fayette County General Sessions Court.

Please have everyone you know "like" Butch's Place Animal Rescue's page, as this is where we will be letting you know how you can help achieve justice for Buttercup and the rest of the animals.

Magnolia. How can such tiny kit pin me to my chair?

Magnolia is a lap cat now! From feral to pet is our goal, and she is making great progress.

For all our new friends, this is Butch, our first rescue. I found him dying of parvo in a bank parking lot when he was about 4 months old. He is 8 years old now. He is the heart of Butch's Place.

Can you see my beautiful orange eyes? Just learning to trust people, approx 4-5 months old. A gorgeous boy (?) I'm guessing since he has two calico sisters. All to be trapped and snipped in the very near future.