Susan Littlejohn, proprietor of Build an Ark Animal Rescue, appeared in Gilmer County Magistrate Court Friday, March 4, to answer four charges of animal cruelty brought by the county’s animal control department.
Before the day’s arraignments began, Judge Kevin Johnson informed those being arraigned of their options going forward. They could request a court hearing, request a trial by jury or plead guilty, not guilty or request to enter a no contest plea.
During her arraignment, Littlejohn opted to proceed to hearings for the four charges. The Magistrate Court hearings are the same as a “bench trial,” which goes before a judge, but not a jury.
In January, two animal cruelty charges were brought against Littlejohn, who’s operated Build An Ark Animal Rescue on property owned by Coosawattee River Resort since 2010. A goat and two sheep in poor condition were removed then, noted Daniel Laukka, Gilmer Animal Control director.
Two more animal cruelty charges were later brought against Littlejohn following another inspection by animal control and a veterinarian. That time, a tortoise and pig not in good condition were removed, Laukka noted.
“I go by a vet’s assessment. The vet really has to recommend a seizure. The majority of the animals out there, the vet did not recommend a seizure,” he added.
Several other animals including sheep, ducks and another goat have been relinquished and removed from the site since that first inspection in January, but animals still remain at the Build an Ark site near Highway 382.
Littlejohn was informed by Coosawattee River Resort that her rental contract for the 18-acre property would not be renewed as of Feb. 19, and she would have 30 days to make arrangements to vacate the property. That notice cited recurring issues, such as complaints about the care of animals and deterioration of assets including the property’s barn and fences, among reasons for the eviction.
Laukka said animal control has made weekly visits to Build An Ark trying to make sure Littlejohn has a plan for the remaining animals when she leaves the property.
The Build an Ark case is drawing public attention, particularly on social media, from both those who support Littlejohn relocating the animal rescue and those, several of them former Ark volunteers, who want to see her held accountable for the charges and no longer allowed to own animals.
A band of protesters, many of whom wore yellow shirts reading “Stop Animal Cruelty,” gathered outside the courthouse Friday morning hoisting signs and chanting their message at passersby.
In Georgia, animal cruelty is considered a misdemeanor if not an aggravated animal cruelty charge, which is a felony. The misdemeanor cruelty charge can carry jail time and/or a fine.
An animal cruelty charge doesn’t necessarily have to stem from physical abuse, Laukka noted.
“Cruelty can be not providing nutritious food, proper care or veterinary care,” he said.
Littlejohn’s court hearing is tentatively set for May 11. She was granted access to a public defender at the arraignment. If an appeal is made following the judgement, the cases could proceed to Superior Court.