The Chilton County Humane Society is taking a stand against animal cruelty and is asking the community for its continued help in the matter.

According to shelter director Kimberly Ruck, there have been four reported animal cruelty cases in Chilton County since the start of 2016.

The most recent was a case on April 1 that involved neglect of a Pomeranian and a pair of Great Danes that were dealing with extreme weight loss due to starvation.

After being reported, all three animals were picked up and sent straight to a veterinarian for medical checkups.

Ruck said the Great Danes weighed 59 and 50 pounds, while the Pomeranian was less than 5 pounds and had the majority of its teeth pulled due to decay.

“One of the Great Danes, Scooby, was tested positive for heartworm, but has since been treated and has found a new home on the beach in Florida, while the other died from liver failure,” Ruck said.

Following an investigation into the situation, Heather Pierce of Clanton pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals on July 20. She was fined $250, had to pay the vet bills accumulated for the Great Dane that died, and must serve 120 hours of community service.

According to the court ruling, Pierce would have to serve a sentence of 90 days in jail, if the fines and the service hours were not met.

“We need to have more support and that means harsher punishments,” Ruck said.

According to Ruck, the maximum sentence for animal cruelty in Alabama is a $3,000 fine and six months in jail.

Ruck appreciates the tip that was received from a resident regarding the Great Danes being “super skinny.” She understands that without it, the dogs would not have had the same opportunity to be rescued.

“What we deal with is a small number compared to what is actually going on out there,” Ruck said. “We can’t do anything unless people start speaking up about what they see.”

Other animal cruelty cases this year have involved a dog with a chain embedded in his neck and a horse that was emaciated.

If you have questions or concerns about possible animal cruelty taking place, Ruck advises you to report it to the nearest law enforcement authority.

“At least bring it to our attention at the Humane Society and we will take the next step in the process,” Ruck said. “We know we can’t save them all, but we will do the best we can to deter such behavior.”

According to the Chilton County Humane Society record books, over the past year 1,657 animals were taken in from the community with 1,259 being surrendered by the former owner.

Of those animals, 218 were adopted, 623 were euthanized, 45 were successfully returned to previous owners and about 660 animals were sent to rescue organizations.

“We all need to work toward the same goal in mind, which is the safety and commitment to these animals,” Ruck said.