Owners struggle with loss of their pets to code enforcement officers

UPDATE 9/19/19 -  Pet owner Cory Bradbury spoke on the telephone with Terre Haute City Court Judge Matthew Sheehan today. The court has ordered the two dogs to be euthanized. Bradbury and Jamey Mills plan to appeal the decision within the allowed time period of 15 days.

Please contact Cory and Jamey directly to show your support or offer advice.
Email:  mameyjills33@gmail.com
Phone:
812-243-7732

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By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

Code enforcement officers recently went to a Terre Haute residence, flashed a photo of an injured dog and then caged up two suspect dogs before removing them from their owners' custody.

No previous citations or medical bills were brought to the attention of the owners, Cory Bradbury and his domestic partner, Jamey Mills, before their longtime pets were seized. They were informed the dogs likely would be euthanized.

"It happened suddenly," Mills said. "They are claiming our dogs got out and picked up a small dog and tossed it around -- which caused $10,000 worth of vet bills."

Nearly one month ago, on Aug. 20 at 11 a.m.,  the officers wrote citations for both dogs on the local ordinance violation "dangerous animals prohibited," according to court records.

Photo of injured dog presented to Mills and Bradbury/ Submitted photo

 
It has been an emotional experience for all involved. The callous behavior from the animal control officers made it even more gut-wrenching, they said.

"She [one of the officers]  smiled the whole time they were putting our babies in the cages," Mills said.
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The matter is pending in Terre Haute City Court at this time. The outlook is not favorable for the pets, as city ordinances (available to view online) outline details for the removal of animals. City code enforcement officers have the authority to take any pet, for any reason they see fit.

Nonetheless, Mills and Bradbury remain hopeful to get their dogs back home.

​They describe their two male dogs --  Berkely, the black chow mix,  and Archie, the brown pit bull -- both as loving and kid and pet friendly, not vicious.  In fact,  they are certain their animals had not gotten out of the yard the day the other dog was allegedly attacked.

Meanwhile, Mills and Bradbury are hoping they can, in the very least,  spare the lives of their dogs.

"We will do whatever it takes to save them," Mills said.