zootoo.com
discover by
pet type

Atlanta Woman Accused of Killing Puppies

Matt Van Hoven

Browse News

BY CATEGORY:
BY PET:

October 16, 2007

Atlanta – A 20 year-old University of Georgia student faces felony charges in the beating death of 7 puppies.

Officials said the 6 to 8 week-old dogs were found dead in a box behind a local Ellenwood convenience store.

Ashley Council allegedly called Athens-Clarke County Animal Control the morning of September 8th to ask if she could surrender 7 puppies – and the rep. she spoke with told her they would take the dogs.

But just hours later, the bruised and bloodied corpses of dogs matching the description from the call were found. The UGA sophomore's name and address were on the box containing the bodies.

In an interview Tuesday with The Red and Black newspaper, Council said “Whatever happened was unintentional...this isn't something I'd ever do.“

The UGA student does part-time clerical work at the University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital – but school representatives say she has no contact with animals.

Council's been suspended from her position pending an investigation. She also faces up to 5 years in prison and $15,000 dollars in fines per felony account.

According to animal control officials, she owns three other dogs, one of which was adopted from an Athens-Clarke County shelter. That dog was spayed and is not related to the puppies.



Tags

dogs, puppies, kill, atlanta

How do you like this article?

89%, 43 out of 48 users thumbed up.
Thumbs Up Thumbs Down

Discuss this topic

Comments


347 comments found.
Show: 50 100 200 Per Page
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
SCRAPPY
SCRAPPY
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
WHY WOULD SHE LEAVE THEM IN A BOX WITH HER NAME AND ADDRESS? SHE NEEDS HELP IF SHE REALLY DID THIS AND I HOPE SHE GETS THE MAX. TIME IN PRISON ALONG WITH FINES. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE PEOPLE CAN BE SO CRUEL.
 
rancentyre
rancentyre
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Absolutely disgusting how society can simply think that they can throw away pets; even though laws are getting much more strict, they are simply to lenient. If she is responsible for the deaths, she needs to spend the rest of her life in an institution, as she must be insane!
 
riscrispy
riscrispy
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Does she suffer from a disease that would make her behave this way? I know people get frustrated if a shelter cannot accept animals, but they stated they would, why would she kill them?
 
Tara E.
Tara E. (tarbear16)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
That is messed up. Why would she call the SPCA if is was gonna just kill them anyways. I am sure there where many great home that would have taken the puppies. Some people just get to me what it comes to the animals.
 
michele7985
michele7985
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
Lets hope that she gets a Judge that actually BELIEVES in enforcing and punishing animal cruelty and abuse cases ~ there aren't many of those Judges out there. AND did she have to fill out an adoption application or any source of screening BEFORE adopting the other dog??? Have they - the animal shelter - reclaimed their dog??????
 
doggirl041
doggirl041
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
if she didn't do the crime she knows who did? The truth will come out in the end.
 
stanleys2
stanleys2
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Ashley sounds like a whacko and isn't real bright either. Here in rural Missouri, we get calls frequently relating the animal will be shot if we don't take it in. I view this as terrorism. When there is no room, what do you do? I hope that Ashley gets the max on fines and pays for her act of violence. As for rural Missouri, it seems that the "law" doesn't care.
 
Lynn
Lynn (lynnmarie8563)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I have to say this is unbelievable. How can people do this to innocent animals? It's hard to make a decision when obviously there is a lot more information that is not released yet about the situation. When could the shelter take the puppies in? If they could not do it right away, which isn't unheard of, maybe she did do it. If she did do it, I believe that 5 years in prision is definitely not enough, it should be 5 years per animal if she is convicted. Laws for this should be a lot stricter and if a man gets 20 for killing a police dog, this lady should get just as much because an animal is an animal no matter what its label.
 
SusanSmith
SusanSmith
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 4 users liked it.
Reply
Not only is she cruel and irresponsible but really stupid. Leaveing your name on the box? Duh!

 
Lori R.
Lori R. (Westwarwickaco)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
unintentional how can puppies just turn up beat up and dead for it to be unintentional? What was she playing with them to ruff? A little old to be doing that. I hope she has a good explanation as to how those puppies got like that. If not I hope she get punished to the full extent of the law.
 
nikkijune1
nikkijune1
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Tragic. How sad for those puppies. So far, charged, but not convicted. Would be interested in follow up to know the outcome. Someone is dangerous. Hope the story comes out.
 
dacis420
dacis420
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
What follows is a letter to the woman being charged. Ashley, This article of your sickening actions absolutely outraged me! If what was printed is the truth, and the shelter was going to take in these puppies, why would you beat them to death? And how stupid can you be to leave your name and address on the box in which you dump them? You deserve what you get and probably more so. You are a student in a vet tech program? You should never be allowed to work with or around animals, you should never be allowed to own animals. You gave up your right to do so the moment you laid your hands on these defenseless puppies because you couldn't take care of them or simply didn't want them. Your other dogs should be taken away from you. You should be hauled off to jail for a lengthy prison sentence and you should pay for the REST of your life for what you did to these beautiful creatures. Your face should be plastered all over the news all around the world so that no matter where you go, people will know you as a killer. That's all you are. You should know better. Sincerely, Rachel - An animal lover for life
 
Sheila
Sheila (HayleysMom)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 2 users liked it.
Reply
I am not really sure I even know how to comment on this story - if she did not do this then why didn't she prevent it. What type of person allows something like this to happen
 
turtle4273
turtle4273
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
She must be a pet lover if she has other dogs, even one adopted from a shelter. This doesn't make sense. Maybe a boyfriend did them in? I'd like to hear her explanation. What a tragedy.
 
Linda C.
Linda C. (boogityboo)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
If this woman did this, then she's not very bright, either. After all, the box had her name and address on it.

Per felony count means for each puppy. However, people rarely receive the maximum sentence.

This woman needs some kind of metal health care. I can't understand how people can hurt animals in such a manner. Unfortunately, it happens far too often.

Statistically, people who abuse animals move on to abuse children and other people who are weaker than they are.
 
miseryscharm
miseryscharm
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
They say she does part time work at the university's veterinary teaching hospital and even has a dog she adopted. How could someone like that kill thoughs puppies? I'm not a mind reader or anything of the sort and I have no clue what REALLY happened, but something doesn't sound right.
 
Judy T.
Judy T. (jtarabochia)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I would imagine it wouldn't do any good to fine her as she probably doesn't have the money with a clerical job. I do hope she gets the time she deserves.
 
Jewelzerz
Jewelzerz
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
yeah, why would someone who wants to go into a career with animals and someone who called to surrender them kill them and in such a gruesome,terrible way? What kind of a person could even hurt a puppy?I don't understand it.
 
Heather R.
Heather R. (Heather)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 3 users liked it.
Reply
It doesn't make sense to me either but since I work at a shelter, I've seen and heard everything. People do unbelievable things so I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens with this case.
 
rsolveira
rsolveira
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
This makes no sense. I wondered what really happened? hmmm....
 
HYPERMUTT
HYPERMUTT
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
ITS ALWAYS AMAZES ME HOW PEOPLE CAN BE SO THOUGHTLESS AND UNCARING
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago
This comment has been removed.
 
avehnor
avehnor
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
those poor puppies. :( someone is responsible.. and unless someone confesses, that girl's in trouble. she's responsible for the puppies in the end.
 
Danny C.
Danny C. (Ddc2003)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This needs ALOT more info. I love puppies except for their teeth, but that wouldnt want me to kill them. They cant prove anything right now.
 
nicole c.
nicole c. (italianogrl33)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This act truly reflects a sick individual.
 
Cornbread
Cornbread
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This is a tragic thing. I have one question, What does she mean by unintentional. Something is up here. I'm going to check on this story often to see just where it goes.
 
joolaay
joolaay
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This case needs more evidence; can't we get any CSI's on things like this?
I don't know if she did it or not, but WHO in their right mind would do something like this? It's baby killing! I mean, that's a life. That's seven lives!
 
SAS
SAS
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I'm interested to find out what happens with this case. I would wager to guess that she didn't do this herself, but who knows. Anything is possible!
 
walker43812
walker43812
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I agree. Maybe she has a sick boyfriend and she was trying to save the puppies and he caught her and killed the puppies.
 
meganrocksandrules02
meganrocksandrules02
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
That's sad.
 
Christina
Christina (Skippysmom921)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Something with this story doesnt make sense, why would she called to surrender the dogs and they told here yes then turn around a kill them. That really doesnt make sense. It seems like she was holding the dog til she got them to the shelter and someone else killed them.
 
Roguesqdldr
Roguesqdldr
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 3 users liked it.
Reply
I agree with some of the earlier posters. We should hear the rest of this and the explanation to what happened. Seems like she had already found a solution, so what would me the motivation for killing the puppies? I don't think we know everything yet. Remember, innocent until proven guilty.
 
groovygirl
groovygirl
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I agree. There is more to this story. If the evidence points to her, then I hope she is found guilty, but based on the information in the article, there is reason to believe that someone else may have done this.
 
Danielle h.
Danielle h. (danie)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I hope this never happens again, how awful can one person be. The actions of other seem to never amaze me and I wish for once they did.
 
grace32
grace32
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
i do not like people who mistreat animals at all. i just do not understand why people hurt animlas. if they want to take their anger out on someone or something wite one of those letter tings then ont send and tell that peson or something how you feel and l all of your anger out and ont do it on puppies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Fantasy
Fantasy
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
What is wrong with these people?????
 
bcoo
bcoo
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
"Unintentional" beatings? I hope that if she bludgeoned these poor pups to death she gets convicted of a felony. What a horrific crime.
 
I think that laws should be harder. People need to know that they just can't get away with it. I do need more info to know if it was here or not but who ever it was needs to pay the price.
 
catlover21
catlover21
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
What she only get 5 years and $15,000 In Fines Per Felony. I said She Should get The same Beating as The puppies Got. The Story Said it was 7 puppies right ok 7 beatings for her and more. the dogs never did any thing wrong to her why should they be put down for no reason at all!!!!!!!
 
mwen
mwen
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Evidence shows that animal abuse leads to more violent abuse on humans. Unless they want to find children in a similar situation, they need to find who is responsible and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
 
Sarina
Sarina
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Not sure that I could condone behaviour like this for any reason. A 6 or 8 week old puppy is of absolutely no threat to anyone. Anyone who lays a hand on a puppy and hurts them is doing so with negligence. In my humble opinion she deserves whatever sentence she is handed, and whatever fine she is given--hopefully she is given something and not a slap on the hand. There are several resources that the public has to provide and care for stray or unwanted pets and she should have utilized them instead of killing the puppies.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago
This comment has been removed.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago
This comment has been removed.
 
emo
emo
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
what a weird story. and what is going on with our society that there is so much violence against animals!
 
bratcats
bratcats
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
It's difficult to "unintentionally" beat puppies to death. I can only hope that the local animal contraol will remove all the dogs from her home, including the intact female that will likely be used for breeding other puppies.
 
bslawrence
bslawrence
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 10 users liked it.
Reply
Penalties for this type of cruelty has got to get more serious. Too many people see living creatures as inanimate objects.
 
wrhsdirector
wrhsdirector
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
She said it was unintended whatever happened, so does she know what happened? Who made it happen? She had better get to talking and explaining this one. If it wasn't her who was it, they need to be brought to justice. If it was her she needs pay for her crime.
 
Amanda D.
Amanda D. (Amandaandalex)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
she is sick!
 
kennelmanager
kennelmanager
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Whatever happened here, she deserves the maximum possible punishment.
 
dogloverjg07
dogloverjg07
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
If she did do this to the puppies I want her to have the maximum penalties for her crime. If anyone could do this to an animal has something wrong with them and they deserve to pay for their action just the same as if it was a human she killed!!!!
 
Patricia B.
Patricia B. (kraus)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
How can someone who works with animals and rescues animals do something so heartless? This woman should get the maximum penalty. If she couldn't care for these puppies, she should have surrendered them or have them humanely put down.
 
Jamez02
Jamez02
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Lock her up and throw away the keys. If she is mean enough to do this to dogs what is she capable of doing to humans.
 
Amanda D.
Amanda D. (Amandaandalex)
2 years ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Thats all she is going to get is 5 yrs. I think that she better have a really really good explaination about what happend to the puppies. People like this makes me sick
Zootoo pet news videos
A Whole Art Gallery, Gone to the Dogs?

A Whole Art Gallery, Gone to the Dogs?

Have you ever wondered what the world looked like to a dog? Well what if "Spot" could draw a picture for you? In New York's neighborhood of Chelsea, t…

Meet Munch: Star of Iams

Meet Munch: Star of Iams' 'Beautiful on the Inside' Ad

Big conventions can be great places to hobnob with celebrities, and the Meet The Breeds event at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City w…

'Pick of the Litter' Digs Veterans, CSI

Everyday brings a wealth of new content to Zootoo.com -- from journals to answers, pet lovers are sharing what matters to them most. To make sure you …

Pet Costume Party Leads to

Pet Costume Party Leads to 'Puptials'

In downtown Manhattan, Great Danes and Cairn Terriers become superheroes and golf caddies for one night -- Halloween! And the place to show off their …

Inmates Come to Animal Shelter

Inmates Come to Animal Shelter's Rescue

ST. CLOUD, Fla. -- With a sour economy and a shrinking budget, one Central Florida county has come up with a novel way to keep its animal shelter ope…

New Yorkers Give $19K to Animal Rescue

New Yorkers Give $19K to Animal Rescue

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, New Yorkers generously donated $19,000 to the Glen Wild Animal Rescue at Unleashed, an Auction and Cocktail Party held at the Ca…

Turtles Saved by Federal Stimulus Money

Turtles Saved by Federal Stimulus Money

LEON COUNTY, Fla. -- Matt Aresco has three and a half million reasons to smile. He's on a one man crusade to save turtles in North Florida and now ha…

Meet the Breeds: Gives Dogs, Cats the Limelight

Meet the Breeds: Gives Dogs, Cats the Limelight

NEW YORK -- Hundreds of dogs and cats gathered under one roof, and the only fighting was for an adoring crowd's attention. That was the scene on Octob…

AKC

AKC's Newest Breed: The Leonberger

NEW YORK -- The 2009 Meet The Breeds Convention at the Jacob Javits Center in New York was an opportunity to see an astounding variety of dogs and cat…

Eukanuba Celebrates 40 Years with Prebiotics

Eukanuba Celebrates 40 Years with Prebiotics

Eukanuba Celebrates 40 Years with Prebiotics: The pet food company Eukanuba celebrates its 40th anniversary -- and pet health -- by showcasing its lin…


View all

News Archive