“What has happened to Princess” was the question PETA Assistant Director of Local Affairs Rachel Bellis asked the Bertie County Commissioners last Monday after speculation Princess and two of her four puppies had died due to neglect.
However, according to the dog’s owner, Traquan Pugh, he had given Princess and two of her puppies away.
“I gave Princess and two pups away,” Pugh told the Bertie Ledger-Advance Tuesday evening.
The PETA complaint filed with Bertie County officials on Nov. 2, 2023 prompted an investigation into the neglect charges, however, Bellis believes the follow up fell short.
“We first contacted the county manager’s office, the board of commissioners, and the sheriff about this case in November. On Nov. 2nd, 2023, after visiting just a few days before we found Princess and her puppies living in a filthy pen with no food or water and Princess was emaciated,” explained Bellis. “PETA field workers cleaned out the pen, fed and watered all of the animals, and that is the only reason why conditions were not abysmal when animal control and law enforcement endowed that same day on Nov. 2nd.”
Bellis was adamant about the need for better monitoring of cruelty and neglect to dogs by the animal control officer.
“Since animal control told the owner that PETA had reported (the person), we are no longer allowed on the property and we got a very stern warning. When we tried to go back onto the property, we were told with very harsh words to never come back. We had been visiting regularly this property since April 2022, and frequently found the dogs neglected,” explained Bellis.
When Bertie County Animal Control Officer Skip Dunlow originally went to investigate the charges he agreed Princess was underweight and reported back to Scarborough.
“He investigated the claim this morning and while he acknowledged the female, who was weaning 5 puppies, did look thin, noted that once she has weaned her pups she should be able to regain her weight,” Scarborough advised Bellis in November.
“This past Thursday, we were told that animal control visited the property for several weeks in November after our initial report, and that Princess and the puppies were gaining weight and growing,” Bellis said. “Our question is, were photos taken? We have requested an investigation. Can Animal Control go back and find out what happened to Princess? Find out what happened to Princess and her puppies. And I mean really find out.
“We are aware that there are dogs still on the property,” she continued. “We would love to know the status of them. If there are photos that can be shared, we would love to see those.”
Bellis went on to provide chronological photographs recording Princess’ demise on Sept. 6,Oct. 13, Oct. 28 and, finally, Nov. 3.
“We took her outside. Fed her and, as you can see, these are her ribs, and this is not, she’s not thin because she’s nursing her puppies. She’s emaciated because she’s not being fed enough,” Bellis said of the former photos.
“We asked for an investigation. We certainly appreciate the response from Chairman (John) Trent. I’ve spoken with Sheriff (Tyrone) Ruffin and Mr. Scarborough, but we would really love to know what happened and find how the other dogs are doing.” said Bellis.
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