For almost two years, the Pulaski County Humane Society has kept more than 150 purebred dogs in its shelter but out of the hands of would-be adopters because of a court case that gave the dogs to the Humane Society to hold as evidence.
While the case is closed, an appeal could still be filed to decide what should happen to the dogs, leaving them and the Humane Society in uncertain territory.
"They're so ready for homes, but we're just waiting for the court to decide," Humane Society board President Andrea Underwood said.
The dogs were involved a case against Sandra Nance of Austin, who was convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty. Humane Society officials said they are keeping 175 dogs, although court records on the case have noted that the exact number of dogs seized was not evident.
Nance's case, which went to the Arkansas Supreme Court in April, was heard again in circuit court May 8, where her convictions were upheld.
In June 2012, the dogs were taken to the Humane Society, and at one point, court records indicated they had been given back to Nance.
But they were never returned to Nance, and the courts have yet to decide what to do with them.
"We're all in agreement that the decision kind of leaves us in limbo," Lonoke County Deputy Prosecutor Ben Hooper said.
Underwood said she anticipates that Nance will again petition to get the dogs back, but Underwood hopes the Humane Society will be given custody and then be able to adopt them out.
Aaron Sadler, spokesman for the Arkansas attorney general's office, wrote in an email that his office believed Nance would petition for a rehearing that would ultimately clarify the issue or that it could be handled as part of an ongoing civil case.
Attorneys for Nance at Wright, Lindsey and Jennings LLP said Thursday through a secretary that they had no comment on the case.
Underwood said the veterinarian, food and grooming bills have cost the Humane Society about $500,000 so far.
"It's a huge burden for the Humane Society," she said.
Metro on 05/23/2014