Boo, adopted with help from 2 repuatble Charlotte rescues
There are heavy allegations surrounding a couple of “rescue groups” that have animal lovers and fellow rescuers in an uproar.
What really happens when you take a dog or puppy to a shelter or rescue facility? In most cases, the dog is vaccinated, spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and well cared for while an application process begins to help find a loving forever home. People understandably often assume that the label “rescue” automatically guarantees the employees, owners, and volunteers are good-hearted and will do what is best in interest of the dog. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as seen very recently in two separate cases.
Over the past several years, many complaints have stemmed from interactions with a rescue operating in Canton, Georgia by the name of Pit Prints, run by owner Amanda Conrad. These accusations from a number of reputable rescue groups only scratch the surface:
- Taking donations for dogs to re-home them, then dropping them for euthanasia at the Cherokee County Animal Control facility
- Listing dogs on her web site and soliciting money for their care, (without them ever being in her care)
- Not spaying and neutering her own two Pit bulls who have had two litters “by accident” and selling the puppies
- Listing and selling donated items on Craig’s List that are typically in high demand with rescue groups, (as well as various small animals)
Conrad has been said to say that she only takes aggressive dogs to be euthanized, however many have pointed a heavy finger at her for adopting out a human-aggressive Neapolitan Mastiff that attacked a woman and left her hospitalized. There was also surprise when certain dogs dropped by Conrad at Animal Control had microchips. When the previous owners were notified, they had a similar story; they brought the dog to Pit Prints and gave a donation, (some as much as $400.00) in return for Conrad to find a safe, permanent home for the dog.
It has been noted that members/volunteers of the following well-known organizations have all had bad relations with Pit Prints: Bama Bully Rescue, Jr. Humane Society, Pit Bull Rescue Central, K9 Rescue League, US Animal Protection, Fulton County Animal Control, and S.P.O.T.. The speculations from so many different people seem to be adding up to more than just a coincidence or a personal vendetta.
Now similarly to the accusations against Conrad, another Pit Bull rescue by the name of Southside Bulldoggin’ in Nashville, TN is under fire for having 261 dogs turned over for euthanasia at Metro Animal Control since 2006. Like Conrad, the owner’s brother stated that only aggressive or unadoptable dogs were turned over, yet the number, 261, remains to be a giant warning flag in the eyes of the rescue community. The group takes in donations for each dog it accepts.
Owner Casey Phelps is also under great criticism for having been charged with animal cruelty in 2006. Many are begging the question as to how she still operates a “rescue” with such charges.
For more information on this story, click on the video prepared by newschannel5.
Whatever the cases may be, when trying to help a dog in need, be sure to research the facility:
- Ask for veterinary references, (and call them)
- Ask other reputable rescue groups
- Ask about the application process, (do they require home visits, veterinary reference checks, spay/neuter, full vaccines, and microchips?)
- Visit the premises to see the living conditions of the animals
For more info:
Email Sara at dogexaminer@yahoo.com
Comments
What a sad story. Thanks for sharing this important information.
I can tell you that what is written in this article is accurate. I have had a personal bad experience with Ms. Conrad. I'm sure now that the stray dog we entrusted to her rescue was euthanized. This after we paid to have him neutered, donated money, a crate and other items for his welfare. It is disgusting. It's about time she was brought to justice. Her website looks wonderful. Don't be fooled!
Amanda Conrad took 5 pitbull dogs from Canada 4 years ago. These dogs needed a special home and training as their history showed they were not being adopted and may have had unresolved issues. Many people here protested that these dogs being sent to Atlanta, where so many dogs are killed there each day for lack of a home. I especially worried for Bach, a sandy coloured dog I was trying to help rehome here, but he was sent down too. And what else is so very sad to remember is that even when A
Kudos on this story! As a bully lover and a champion for animals (and fellow examiner.com writer) I am glad to see you covered this story. Excellent coverage and a great story. How long until legislation gets involved & seriously prosecutes these people??
Good story. Just because someone calls him/herself a "rescue group" does not make it so. There are so many responsible rescuers out there, it is sad that bad apples like these make it hard for people to trust in rescue groups.
I just wanted to thank you for writing this article. Those of us who are involved in the responsible rescue of this breed work every day, not only against backyard breeders, and irresponsible owners, but also against those who are unethical in their rescue practices. I know that the rescues listed are not the only ones who have had complaints/issues with Pit Prints, and we have all been doing what we can to shut people like her down. We try to be very PC in our complaints, and go through legal channels, and turn people looking for help in another direction, but our hands have always been tied because libel and defamation of character are serious accusations.
I'm not sure how you knew that we had issues with her in the past, but I want to again thank you for bringing this situation to light. And of course, for referring to us as a well-known organization!
While no one can condemn this woman's actions, I think the real villain here is the family that got a dog and were unwilling to fulfill their commitment to it. Whether Amanda dumps the dog or the family does, it doesn't solve the problem that for every other breed in shelters, there are twenty pits. No rescuer should accept money from a private owner in my opinion, it's unethical. You can require the owner spay/neuter or bring the dog up to date on vaccinations, but to accept money for the dog to me is just wrong.
I have had no experience with this rescue, but just as with breeders, there are good rescues and bad. Unfortunately it seems a great many pit breeders and the people that buy them see the breed as disposable.
Meant to say no one CAN'T condemn this rescue's actions...
What comes around goes around. It may come fast or it may come slowly. I would hate to have to pay for these sins! If she is guilty, she will get what's coming to her in the end.
I can 100% say that Amanda Conrad is not to be trusted at all. The classlessness of this individual is second to none. I truly hope she gets what she deserves. Do not let the website fool you!!!
Thanks for bringing this to light! I have a bully breed rescue as well and we have quite a fight on our hands for these dogs. It's hard enough to do any kind of rescue, let alone bully rescue b/c we have to be extra responsible and strict on where our dogs go. It's a shame there are so many "bad" rescues out there who ruin things and make people suspicious of any rescue that needs help - we all need help - times are tough and it costs money to help these dogs, which we often don't have. and it's hard to ask for donations b/c of bad groups like this that take advantage of the public and get all this money coming in and don't even help the dogs, where the money is supposed to go to. very sad.
Jen Evans, Wiggle Butts Bully Rescue, Mentor, OH
"What really happens when you take a dog or puppy to a shelter or rescue facility? In most cases, the dog is vaccinated, spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and well cared for while an application process begins to help find a loving forever home."
Just to clarify: This is actually not true. What happens in most cases is that the dog (or cat) is euthanized within a week unless it is lucky enough to catch the eye of a rescue or an adopter. Since all no-kill shelters and rescues are always full the alternative (aside from dumping the animal on the street) is an animal control facility. Animal control facilities have to euthanize for space. Rescues, however, should NOT be euthanizing except for dangerous behavior or health issues.
Morgan,just to be more specific to your comment: In saying what typically happens in shelters or rescues, I was referring to places such as the Humane Society of Charlotte and other local no-kill private rescues. Your statement pertains to animal control facilities, which is true; most are euthanized due to space issues. Just wanted to clear up any confusion since there are several no-kill rescues facilites in the area.
Thanks!
I have been after her for years, thank god someone finally shed some light on this horrible human being. Amanda Conrad isn't just a bad rescue - just ask Ray DeLuca - Cherokee County's Dept. of Agriculture. She has a very bad track record with them, including ADOPTING UNNEUTERED MALES to very suspicious people and being LINKED to dog fighting. I found out about her after I was attacked by one of her dogs who was covered in scars and tried to report her for dog fighting. I really really hope there is a community push here. I tried to investigate her and she had her lackies threaten me. This is a really really horrible rescue and I cannot believe its still in operation.
I am so happy to finally have some answers in regards to Amanda Conrad. I have been volunteering for her, donated over 3000 to her "cause", set up fundraisers which raised nearly $2500, and have always been suspicious. I turned a stray into her and asked about the dog later ... she could not recall what had happened to the dog. I've asked about "featured pets" from the web and she has no clue what dog I'm talking about. Hate to hear such aweful things, but at least I know now!! I'll be sure to pass the info on. Thanks!
On the contrary of what is being said in the article and the related comments, my husband and I had an excellent adoption experience with Amanda. Please do not condemn someone or an organization until they are proven in a court of law to be guilty based on documented evidence. If she is guilty, let a judge determine her punishment...not you.
To Jennifer - those charges actually will be forthcoming. Its very difficult to get law enforcement involved in these situations because the victims cannot testify for themselves. Also in Georgia crimes involving animals are given a very low priority and some things described in the article are not actually a crime in the state despite how despicable they are. That is why so many people use animal rescue as a front. Very sad!
I knew Amanda Conrad for about a month. She is also a BailBondsman at a BailBonds Agency in Cherokee County. I personally think more people then just dog owners should watch giving money to her for anything. She once told me that she goes to Lennox Mall in Ga. to buy $350.00 jeans... I always wondered where in the world she got the money to spend like that and not miss it! Thanks for shedding light and exposing her for the person is truly is.
.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/i-team:-pit-prints-030110
put a www in front of that
Actually, my family adopted a pit from amanda in 2003, Bach. Anita from from BC mentioned him in one of the earliest comments. I am happy to report that Bach has had a wonderful 6 years with our family and just went home to heaven 2 weeks ago. He was a precious pit and we are thankful to have had him. We had a good adopt experience with Amanda, but I guess the circumstances of her life have shifted her focus/beliefs. She was truly dedicated when we first met in 2003. I am sickened to read/hear about these recent events. I pray for her.
Have seen Fox 5 segment last two evenings, regarding Pit Prints and Amanda Conrad. I've been unable to sleep thinking about the two 9 mo.old Pits that my husband, son and I so trustingly left in her care one year ago this month. Our son rescued the two dogs. We had them neutered, shots given, a trainer teach us how to handle & socialize them. Kept for 9 weeks, all the while conversing online with Amanda about what would need to be done in order for Pit Rescue to accept the dogs for placement. We have two other dogs, we couldn't keep the Pits. Amanda would not take a check for donation to her rescue, only cash. We donated two kennels, collars, all vet records and a fence. A response came from her almost immediately that one of the dogs was adopted to a loving family who just lost their 14 year old Pittie to cancer. She stated she wasn't so optimistic about the other dog. ( I still have the e-mails from her.) I can't tell our son. I'm so sad to think about what could have happened.
"Your statement pertains to animal control facilities, which is true; most are euthanized due to space issues."
Actually, animal control facilities do not "euthanize" animals; they kill them, and the distinction is critical. "Euthanize" implies they are killing the animal to put it out of its misery for its own sake, when the fact is shelters are killing animals for their own convenience—not due to lack of space, but because they do not use proven no-kill practices to stop the killing. I wish we would all call a kill a kill in the animal welfare community and put the onus on shelter directors where it belongs instead of giving them a pass to cling to old-fashioned pro-kill methods.
That aside, anyone who has been informed by Cherokee AC that a dog they paid Amanda to rehome was instead dumped at the shelter to be killed should look into suing Amanda for fraud in small claims court, not only for the principle of the matter but also to get her deceit on the public record.
I can't believe them! isn't it bad enough these dogs are unwanted? Do you know what it feels like to be unloved? they do! Do it right or don't do it at all!
I am stunned to hear these tidings which do not bode well. Amanda spent hours with me on internet in 2005 guiding me on how to care for homeless injured pit bull I ended up adopting on my own. Amanda even invited me to Canton so she could assess dog agression in "Jawja"...initially I wanted to let someone else adopt Jawja & agreed to foster her until Amanda could find a suitable home which she did; by that time I bonded with Jawja & changed my mind, kept her. Jawja passed away 3/16/2010 with cancer @ age of almost 6 years.
Amanda was very open when Jawja & I visited Pit Prints Winter of 2005; she did not try to hide anything, there were many dogs in various stages of recovery well cared for at the facility. Amanda took pictures of Jawja & posted them on web site for adoption, did all she could to help, was happy when I decided to give Jawja a full time home with love she deserved.
This is America...a person is INNOCENT until proven guilty-Amanda Conrad should so likewise be treated!
Beware GA, I have reason to believe that Amanda may be in business again. I overheard something at a vets office today in Canton. Not sure if she has own group or helping a group.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!