The proprietor of a Gilmer County animal rescue is facing eviction and two charges of cruelty to animals.
Susan Littlejohn, who runs Build An Ark Animal Rescue out of the red barn on property near the Eagle Mountain entrance to Coosawattee River Resort (CRR), was notified that CRR will terminate her rental contract on Feb. 19.
The Coosawattee River Resort Board of Directors sent a notice announcing those and other details to residents of the development last week.
That notice cites recurring issues including complaints about the care of animals and deterioration of assets including the barn and fences among reasons for the board’s decision, which follows recent involvement by Gilmer County Animal Control.
According to an official statement, animal control made three visits to Build An Ark between Jan. 12 and 15. The first visit came after they were contacted about a donkey that might need to be euthanized by a veterinarian.
Littlejohn said the donkey had laid down and couldn’t get back up. She said she’d been trying to get a vet to come out, but was unable to find one.
“I got the initial call to see if I could locate a vet to put the donkey down,” said Daniel Laukka, Gilmer County Animal Control director. “I went out to offer any assistance that I could. I am certified to euthanize dogs and cats, but have never had to (put down) a donkey. I told Susan I would much rather have a vet come out.”
Laukka said while he was there, someone expressed concern about the other animals at Build An Ark. A veterinarian did have to put the donkey down, he added.
Animal control returned the next day with an inspector from the Department of Agriculture. Inside the barn, they found “a few animals that seemed to be in poor condition and what looked to be an animal skeleton or carcass in one of the stalls with two sheep,” according to their official statement.
Littlejohn said she doesn’t know where that skeleton came from, but it was not one of her animals.
“I’ve never hurt an animal,” she said.
A vet, who was contacted to assess the animals onsite, determined a small goat and two sheep needed to be relinquished or impounded immediately due to their condition. Those animals were removed from the property after Littlejohn agreed to relinquish them, Laukka said.
Another goat, three other sheep and 15 ducks have also been relinquished since last week, Laukka said.
According to the veterinarian’s assessment, other animals outside the barn appeared to be in good care, the animal control release states.
Littlejohn said the first goat that was removed was 18 years old and went to another animal rescue, but it has since died. All of the animals at Build An Ark are old, she said.
“It’s just been a nightmare,” Littlejohn said about the recent happenings.
Laukka said a judge will determine any penalties for the animal cruelty charges, a misdemeanor that can carry up to a year in jail and a fine for first-time offenders.
Per the CRR board, Littlejohn has been given 30 days rent free to make arrangements to vacate the property.
As for the remaining animals, Littlejohn said she’s trying to find somewhere to keep them together.
“They will go wherever we can find a place for them to go. I’m hunting a place now,” she added.