Man arrested in Scotland Neck slaying

Evelyn Howell /Staff Writer

JACKSON - When it comes to animal cruelty, Karen Cole says she has seen it all during her many years of rescuing animals - from pit bulls bloodied with their skin all torn up from dog fighting, to cows that died because of lack of food and water for two weeks.

Cole describes it as heartbreaking to see innocent animals treated in such a manner.

“It makes me sick and mad,” said Cole who has been reappointed Northampton County animal cruelty investigator.

“I have seen collars on dogs so tight that they were embedded in their necks,” she said. “A lot of people don't need these animals.” Cole was first appointed a animal cruelty investigator to cover Northampton County in 1998.

An animal cruelty investigator has the authority to seize animals through the power of the magistrate and can take out warrants. “I have law enforcement officers to back me up,” said Cole who was born in Henderson and raised in Ahoskie.

Cole is a veterinary assistant and certified technician through the Ashworth University in Norcoss, Ga.

Cole's main priority is to educate owners on how to treat their pets. She said animal neglect and abuse is a problem in Northampton County and that she is faced with about 50 to 60 animal abuse cases a year. She investigates these cases strictly on her own without monetary assistance from the county. “I have been a volunteer since 1998,” said Cole. “I pay for my badge, business cards plus coursework out of pocket.”

Calls have been picking up lately. Cole said that sometimes she get late night reports of abuse.

Right now she is working on two cases involving dog fighting in the Gaston area. “There's a lot of dogfighting going on with kids participating for the excitement,” said Cole. “It's a power thing for them.”

The animals Cole rescues are taken to the dog pound in Jackson where they remain for three to seven days. If they are not adopted during that time then they are euthanized. “I wish there was a a better solution,” said Cole.

“People are throwing their cats and dogs out to fend for themselves - more people should have their pets spayed or neutered.”

Cole has had a love for animals since childhood and in 1991 she and four others got together and started a Humane Society in Northampton. She said that she was doing things basically on her own - building fences and pens in her backyard for animals that are abused and neglected. The Northampton Humane Society is no longer operating. “I didn't have enough space for 30 dogs, and cats in my backyard and I needed to expand and more people to help.” Cole said that everybody wants puppies but they don't seem to realize that they grow up.

Cole is a full-time telecommunicator at the Sheriff's Office in Jackson and owns three dogs - Hollywood, Ellie Mae and Layla. Cole is married and has one daughter.

To report animal abuse and neglect call Cole at (252) 534-2611.