John Montgomery recognized for tracking animal abusers for more than three years and promoting stron
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (August 4, 2010) – United Animal Nations (UAN), a national animal protection organization, today issued its annual Animals’ Choice Award to Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery for pursuing fugitive animal abuser Tammy Hanson for nearly four years and advocating for harsher animal cruelty laws in Arkansas. UAN presents the Animals’ Choice Award annually to an individual who advocates for animals beyond the scope of his or her profession.
Hanson was charged with animal cruelty in October 2005 after hundreds of dogs were found living in squalor at Every Dog Needs a Home (EDNAH), a so-called animal sanctuary she owned in Gamaliel with her husband, William. Hanson was convicted but fled
“While many law enforcement agencies relegate animal cruelty cases to the bottom of the to-do list due to lack of resources, Sheriff Montgomery sent the message loud and clear that abusing animals will not be tolerated in his community,” said UAN President and CEO Nicole Forsyth.
In 2005, authorities seized nearly 500 animals – including 100 who had been rescued from coastal areas after Hurricane Katrina – who were living in neglect amid four-inch-deep feces and trash at EDNAH. Most of the animals were emaciated, critically ill or injured, septic with severe mange or matted past the point of combing. Veterinarians treated infections, parasites, ammonia burns, mange, fighting injuries, abscessed wounds and other serious medical conditions. Fifty UAN volunteers traveled to
“There have been some people who wonder why we were willing to take on this case, and spend the money we spent to track down and bring the Hanson’s to justice,” Sheriff Montgomery said. “Simply put, we did it because it was the right thing to do. Everyone who was involved at the EDNAH compound knows what I mean. Over 500 dogs living in conditions so deplorable, it’s beyond words. I don’t know what we would have done if it had not been for the dozens of United Animal Nations volunteers who worked tirelessly alongside other volunteers to care for these abused and neglected animals.”
The Hanson case also prompted Sheriff Montgomery to support a February 2009 law to make cruelty to animals a felony in
Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education.
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