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A couple from out of the state were visiting Lowndes County recently when they discovered a stray dog. The pair, set to fly home on Monday, March 17, searched for a nearby shelter to accept the flea-covered canine. Finding none, they were turned away from the Montgomery Humane Society and tried seeking help at Pet Smart.

And that’s where they met Carrie Tillery.

Tillery, an Elmore County resident, took in the homeless dog temporarily and continued seeking a rescue which could help. At present, the dog remains in her care.

“I acquired a stray dog [March 16] from some people who found her originally in Lowndes County,” Tillery said. I have tried to reach out to [the Montgomery shelter]. I reached out to Prattville Humane society, and they pointed me to Lowndes County; however, I have called and I have been redirected from the Sheriff’s office back to the Montgomery Humane Society.”

Lowndes County has no animal shelter. Surrounding county shelters, like those in Montgomery and Prattville, do not accept strays from outside their county.

Individuals, like Hope Hull resident Melissa Peak, help where they can, taking in strays and attempting to rehome animals after floating veterinary bills from their own funds. Peak petitioned the Lowndes County Commission, requesting the group address the problem, but without funding or volunteers willing to work to help form a rescue organization, progress has been slow.

“I believe this problem… with Lowndes County and the lack of an animal shelter or nonprofit to still be ongoing,” Tillery said. “I may just not have the right points of contact to find who can help, but finding information for resources for this county is extremely difficult.”

The Animal Legal Defense Fund released its annual state ranking of states’ animal protection laws. For 2024, Alabama ranked No. 49, the second to the worst state in America in need of animal protection law reform.

Rep. Phillip Ensler (D – Montgomery) introduced HB149 in February. Known as the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act, the legislation would establish regulations for the outdoor confinement of dogs, detailing specific requirements for how dogs can be tethered, enclosed or restrained. And, while not solving Alabama’s issues with stray animals, the bill, if passed, would strengthen law enforcement officer’s ability to clamp down on dog owners not providing adequate care for their outside animals.

The dog in Tillery’s care came to her with fleas, ticks, cuts, scrapes and worms, having whelped at least one litter of puppies previously. Tillery vetted the dog at her own expense, believing the pup to have been lost for some time or perhaps not properly cared for in the first place.

Peak, and others, are seeking solutions to help the stray animals of Lowndes County. Citizens can aid in the effort by contacting their county commissioners to express their concerns or willingness to be part of the solution.

Anyone with information which can help Tillery reunite this stray pup with her owners is encouraged to email their information to news@lowndessignal.com.

Editor’s note: Carrie Tillery found The Lowndes Signal article titled “Peak Petitions Lowndes County Commission to help pets” and reached out to share her story. Anyone wishing to help address the issue around Lowndes County’s stray animals may send their contact information to news@lowndessignal.com.