Neglected dogs prompt local protest in Star City

Longtime animal advocate Sara Ingram claimed she couldn't just sit by and let abuse happen when she discovered a neighboring home had been abusing their dogs by locking them in a small enclosure for more than a year. In response, Ingram organized a peaceful protest for animal rights in Star City on Oct. 5.

Star City resident Sara Ingram, 42, has rehomed 52 dogs in her lifetime and has always advocated for the rights of animals when she has gotten the chance. Having five rescue pit bulls, multiple cats, and even some aquatic creatures living at her home, Ingram has always had a strong belief that animals deserve respect and love as much as any human. When Ingram recently discovered a neighbor that lived just two blocks down in Star City had been keeping two dogs in a small crate for the year, her passion for animal advocacy activated once again. Ingram later learned the dogs did not regularly receive food and water, had matted hair, and would be lucky to get let out of the small, feces filled enclosure once a day. 

After calling Pulaski County Animal Control Officer Liz Johns to the scene, the dogs owners were corrected on their previous behavior, but the dogs remained in their custody. Although the dogs were never taken into custody by authorities, the animal control officer did say she did correct the situation as best as she could, educating the dog owners on how to properly care for their animals, which includes providing food, water and a proper enclosure for the animal. Johns had just started her job as the Pulaski Animal Control Officer this past May, but said sadly this has not been the first call about animal neglect she has had to take on. 

Although thankful for the animal control officer fulfilling her duty, Ingram was not satisfied with the results of the canines. Not able to legally remove them, Ingram instead wanted to make the situation more publicly aware by holding a small protest in the neighborhood near where the confrontation took place. 

On Saturday, Ingram and a few other supporters took a stance on animal abuse by holding a public protest in Star City on the corner of Wirick and Main streets. Carrying signs and raising fists, the animal advocates made their voices known, with a handful of passersby coming to read the signs and check out what was going on at the intersection. 

Ingram stood with supporters for an hour and a half at the street corner. During that time no other issues came about, and the small group left peacefully. Despite how much attention the protest had gotten, Ingram hopes it teaches those in the community to care for animals better in the future, and to also keep a watchful eye on neighbors and pets who may not have a voice in situation such as this.