HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- After just days in office, President Joe Biden has now signed at least 30 executive orders.

One order includes a mask mandate on federal property, sending a straightforward message that the administration’s immediate focus is stopping coronavirus spread.

“Masks, not vaccinations, are the single best defense that we have against covid-19” said President Joe Biden during a virtual press conference.

With a wave of new executive orders being signed, local officials question the President’s bipartisanship.

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann tweeted the executive order track records of former president’s during their first few weeks of taking office.

Fleischmann said in part quote: “Can’t call yourself bipartisan & unifying when you govern via Executive Order.”

“President Bush, Bush 43, signed 290 during his eight years. President Obama signed 276. President Trump 4 years signed 217” said former political consultant Tom Griscom.

Griscom says if coronavirus was non-existent, the president’s number of executive orders would likely be cut in half.

“And party doesn’t matter. There’s Republicans after Republicans where they might make some changes because they might have a different approach. But going from a Democrat to a Republican or a Republican to a Democrat you’re going to start seeing more of that.”

The Biden administration and congress are debating if another stimulus check will be rolled out.

“The real conversation starts by setting the parameters of the debate. I think what we are seeing with that legislation is a high number from the administration from the president and reaction coming back from members of congress . Over this period of time, we will come to some number.”

News 12 reached out to Congressman Fleischmann’s office but we did not get a response at this time.

The post President Biden Signs 30 Executive Orders (So Far) appeared first on WDEF.

WALKER CO., Ga. (WDEF)- Walker County has a new number for residents to submit their requests for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Starting tomorrow, the number will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

According to the county, a team member will take your information and determine your eligibility and when doses become available,-you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

Shannon Whitfield, Chairman of the Walker County Board of Commissioners, says, We want those men and women at our health department to be focused on administering the vaccinations to you and not trying to manage the database or the calls. So, this is going to take a big burden off of them.”

The county says the following about those that have already set up their first dose and those that have received their first dose:

“Individuals who previously submitted their contact information through the Northwest Georgia DPH online portal are already on the waitlist and do not need to call the hotline. In addition, those who have already received their first dose of the vaccine will be contacted directly to schedule an appointment for their second dose and do not need to call the hotline.”

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RHEA CO., Tenn. (WDEF)- The T.B.I. is investigating after a body was found inside a home in Rhea County tonight.

According to the Rhea county executive, George Thacker, fire crews arrived on the scene to a fully involved house around 6:30.

Once the fire was out, an unidentified body was discovered.

Officials do not know what caused the fire.

We will keep you updated as we learn more.

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DADE CO., Ga. (WDEF)-A standoff in Dade County left Highway 136 shut down today.

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We have new information about the shooting that happened Saturday night.

According to CPD, a 22-year-old woman was shot in the 1900 block Milne street near orchard knob.

Police say that they found the victim suffering from a serious but non-life threatening gunshot wound to her lower extremities.

Investigators say that the incident was Domestic Violence in nature.

If you have any information about the incident contact CPD.

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – A local church is doing their part to help out in our community. 

Bascilia Of the Saints Peter and Paul is  hosting a food drive for the St. Vincent De Paul society. 

The church is currently taking donations of non perishable foods to be distributed to those who need it most. 

Some of the items needed are : canned tuna, canned fruit, canned vegetables, cereal , macaroni and cheese, and pasta. 

“They don’t just give the people the food. They don’t come to the pantry and give them some food. What they do is they will bring it out to their homes and they try to talk with them, council them, and maybe help them financially too. There’s also a hotline number that we have for people to get help. Also we are looking to train volunteers to go out to the homes and bring the food packages,” says Deacon Gasper DeGaetano. 

the food drive is open until 5:30 Sunday at the Basicila on East 8th street. 

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HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn (WDEF) – Covid-19 cases in Hamilton County appear to be on the decline but community leaders say it doesn’t mean we can let our guards down. 

It’s been three weeks since the holidays and Covid-19 cases are steadily declining. 

Recently Hamilton County has seen a decline from around 600 cases a day to around 200 a day now. 

Mayor Andy Berke says even though we are seeing a decrease it doesn’t mean chattanooga is in the clear and that there is still more work to be done. 

“We need to continue to obey the public health requirements of wearing a mask, staying out of large gatherings, staying 6 feet away and washing our hands.I hope it keeps declining but in the long run it’s only going to come down to if we make sure we are obeying the public health requirements and we start getting people vaccinated,” says Mayor Andy Berke, Chattanooga. 

For more information about Covid-19 testing click here. 

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Every winter, hundreds of volunteers gather to help lay wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 

On Saturday, those wreaths were retired. 

The removal of the wreaths started at 8:30 this morning and almost 15,000 wreaths were collected. 

Volunteers say they do this every year because it’s not just wreaths on a grave , it symbolizes something much more. 

“I think it’s important that we never forget those who have served our country. We remember and honor them. This is also a teaching opportunity. It’s a teaching opportunity for the younger generation and for our future generations,” says Mickey McCamish, U.S. Navy (retired) Chairman. 

The post Volunteers help “retire” wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery appeared first on WDEF.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Bradley County Sheriff Deputies are getting an upgrade!

Patrol deputies were fitted with brand new body cameras.

All deputies have been trained on the new equipment.

Officials say funding for the new cameras was made possible by the state and Bradley county government.

Sheriff Lawson says,”Together, in less than a year, we have accomplished a major goal of my administration and for that I am truly grateful. It is my hope that these new
body cameras bring further accountability and protection not only to my officers, but also to the fine people of Bradley County that we serve.”

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Tennessee Valley (WDEF): Widespread Rainfall Returning Monday!

Sunday will start off with mostly cloudy skies, but becoming overcast by the afternoon ahead of our next weather – maker. Sunday will be mainly dry with only a few isolated showers more towards Sunday night. However, this will be turning to widespread heavy rain just after midnight into early Monday. Temperatures will be staying mild because of that in the mid to upper 40’s. By 7 AM, most of the rain will have moved off east, however, there will be another round arriving for the evening into early Tuesday that could produce a few thunderstorms. Monday afternoon will also be warm with temperatures near 66 degrees and breezy conditions!

Tuesday will be dry and warm with temps in the mid 60’s!

Our seasonal highs and lows for this time of year are 50 & 31.

50 & 31 are our seasonal highs and lows. The seasonal afternoon highs, as well as the early morning lows, are now on the way down!

We’re getting into the time to discuss freeze watches and warnings: Whenever you hear about those watches and warnings, remember a few things that could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches:  Pets should be brought inside. Cover above-ground pipes, and protect all sensitive vegetation. Check on your neighbors and the elderly. In really, REALLY cold temperatures, make sure and open cabinet doors that face exterior walls, and allow a thin stream of water about the size of a pencil lead to run from the faucet farther away from where the water enters your home.

Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search “WDEF Weather”. 

The post Weather Update: Sunday’s Forecast – January 24th, 2021 appeared first on WDEF.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For the first time, Tennessee takes the top spot as U-Haul’s number 1 growth state.

That’s based on what they saw in 2020.

“We have mountains on one side. We have really cool downtown locations like Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis,” U-Haul Company of Nashville President Jeff Porter said.

Greater Chattanooga Realtors 2021 President Robert Backer is not surprised.

Home inventory in Hamilton County and the surrounding areas has been extremely low.

Backer said it’s normally double what they’re seeing.

“We’ve seen so much over this past year of people moving to our area from just different parts of the country,” Backer said.

They’ve seen Californians and New Yorkers in particular moving to into the area.

For reasons possibly connected to the pandemic.

“I think there are a lot stricter mandates and lock downs and stuff that they experienced through March, April, May and on I think was frustrating to people and they’re trying to get out of the urban areas,” Backer said.

Backer said that they’re seeing a lot of people from out of town buying up property in Rhea and Sequatchie Counties.

“Dayton, Dunlap, areas like that where they’re getting a little bit more land or want to be a little bit more out of it a little bit, not so urban, a little bit more not even suburban, but rural almost,” Backer said.

Interest rates are still driving home buying, but as far as what moves people into the state both Porter and Backer believe it’s the no state income tax, cost of living and lifestyle.

Backer said for the Chattanooga area it’s the outdoor activities, gig internet and location.

“Atlanta, Nashville, you can be in the mountains in North Carolina in an hour. We’re very centrally located,” Backer said.

Behind Tennessee on U-Haul’s list is Texas and Florida.

The post Tennessee growing strong appeared first on WDEF.

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tensions were high during Thursday night’s school board meeting as members debated three options for sending Hamilton County students back to in-person learning.

After about two hours of debate, the board ended up deferring that decision to the superintendent, passing a resolution that would allow his task force to reevaluate the old plan and make a decision regarding reopening.

However, parents are not pleased with the current condition of virtual learning, with many saying that it’s put a strain on them as they try to juggle work with homeschooling.

“I have to take pictures of anything she does. I have to upload it. Up until this last weekend, I was doing it the hard way and so we were getting behind. It’s hard on parents who have jobs – I have a job, I work,” says one parent, Nikki Voiles.

Voiles says that the method hasn’t been effective for ensuring that kids are actually learning.

“There’s something about being face to face with your teacher, there’s something about being in the classroom with your peers that it works for her.”

She also says that she’s concerned about the teachers.

“It’s hard to see them struggle because they didn’t go to school to teach a head – a floating head on the computer screen. It’s hard on all of them and I wish that they would listen to the parents a little bit more. They’re not listening to us.”

Hamilton County teachers Claire Millsaps said that while that a lot was talked about during the meeting, one thing that wasn’t discussed was teacher representation.

“I have been teaching in Hamilton County for close to fifteen years. And I have never had the need to write to my school board member until this year. That to me is sending a letter that may or may not get read, that may or may not have any impact,” says Millsaps.

Millsaps says the district needs to do more to make sure that teachers are getting heard.

“I would like to see a teacher from an elementary school, a teacher from a middle school and a teacher from a high school who are at every single meeting and aren’t just there to sit on the side and get asked questions, but someone who is there with a vote.”

The post Hamilton Co. Teachers, Parents Frustrated With Virtual Learning appeared first on WDEF.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The pandemic has affected many industries, but one of the hardest hit is dry cleaners.

Old Fort Cleaners has been serving the Fort Oglethorpe community since 1987.

However, the family owned business says that they have seen a decline in their customers during the pandemic.

Mostly because people are working from home, wearing casual clothes and they’ve also seen a decline in wedding ceremonies as well as funeral services.

Jennifer Hughes, co-owner of Old Fort Cleaners, says, “A lot of our churches around here, they’re not going to church or, they’ve missed a lot of church. We missed wedding season, prom season, graduation. Now, we’re getting on to our next wedding season. So, hopefully, it will start picking up then.”

Old Fort is not the only dry cleaning business that is working hard to keep serving their communities.

The dry cleaning and laundry institute believes that 30 percent of dry cleaners could be forced to shut down over the next 18 months.

Something that Hughes has already seen happening.

Fortunately for her, that means she has acquired some new customers.

Hughes says, “There’s been a cleaners close down the street and a few in Chattanooga. So, we’ve seen a lot of new people. But, we’ve had some of the same customers I’ve known since I was 12 years old.”

Customers like Anthony Fowler that have been coming for nearly 20 years.

“I’m sure they have felt the squeeze like other places have. So, they’ve been hanging in there. You can pretty well expect the same job every time you come here. They usually do a good job on the clothing”, adds Fowler.

The cleaners has only lost one employee during the pandemic.

But, Hughes is hopeful that the vaccine will bring some much needed relief.

The post Local dry cleaners surviving during the pandemic appeared first on WDEF.

WASHINGTON D.C. (WDEF) – While some National Guard troops are being kept in Washington for the upcoming impeachment trial, Tennessee’s guardsmen have come home.

More than 750 soldiers and airmen went to the capital for the inauguration.

The Tennessee Army National Guard supplied more than 700 Soldiers from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment headquartered in Knoxville and the 230th Sustainment Brigade headquartered in Chattanooga.

Their job was crowd management and security.

The East Tennessee soldiers returned by ground on Friday, while Middle Tennessee troops were flown back.

“Our soldiers and airmen have once again responded to our State and Nation’s call and getting them back home is a special day for us,” said Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessee’s Adjutant General.

“I’m proud to report they accomplished all missions assigned with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. This is a result of training and leadership down to the lowest level. I want to thank the families and employers for their unbelievable support in allowing these great Americans to serve. These young men and women wearing the uniform represents everything that is good about America; selfless service.”

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Tennessee Valley (WDEF): Mainly Dry & Cool Weekend Ahead!

Overnight Friday: A cold front will pass bringing some dryer air to the valley. Clear skies and colder temps will drop us down to lows in the upper 20’s to around 30.

Gorgeous day for Saturday with lots of sunshine and highs near 52. Saturday will be another chilly night with lows in the low to mid 30’s across the viewing area.

Sunday will start off with mostly clear skies, but clouds will quickly start arriving in the afternoon ahead of our next weather – maker. Isolated showers Sunday night will turn to widespread heavy rain just after midnight into early Monday. Temperatures will be staying mild because of that in the mid to upper 40’s. By 7 AM, most of the rain will have moved off east, however, there will be another round arriving for the afternoon into early Tuesday. Monday afternoon will also be warm with temperatures near 66 degrees!

Tuesday will be dry and warm with temps in the low 60’s!

Our seasonal highs and lows for this time of year are 50 & 31.

50 & 31 are our seasonal highs and lows. The seasonal afternoon highs, as well as the early morning lows, are now on the way down!

We’re getting into the time to discuss freeze watches and warnings: Whenever you hear about those watches and warnings, remember a few things that could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches:  Pets should be brought inside. Cover above-ground pipes, and protect all sensitive vegetation. Check on your neighbors and the elderly. In really, REALLY cold temperatures, make sure and open cabinet doors that face exterior walls, and allow a thin stream of water about the size of a pencil lead to run from the faucet farther away from where the water enters your home.

Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search “WDEF Weather”. 

The post Weather Update: Saturday’s Forecast – January 23rd, 2021 appeared first on WDEF.

Hamilton County, TN (Press Release) – The Hamilton County Health Department, in partnership with Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, will begin taking first dose appointments again starting Friday, January 22 at 9AM. New appointments have been added to the schedule January 24 – January 28. All appointments are at the Riverpark Hubert Fry Center, 4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37406. Enter near the Chattanooga State side of the Riverpark, not the Navy and Marine Reserve side.

Those in the current Phases (1a1, 1a2, and individuals 75 and older) are encouraged to make their appointment online. Visit https://vaccine.hamiltontn.gov/ to view the list of Phases and click on the first dose appointment link. Click the date tabs at the top of the appointment website and choose an  available appointment time.

People who do not have access to the internet, or speak Spanish, can call Emergency Management’s call center at 423-209-5399 to make their appointment. The call center is open Friday from 8AM-4PM. Due to high call volume, callers may experience a busy signal and need to continue to call back.

“As the Health Department receives new vaccine shipments from the State, we continue our mission to put those doses to use and vaccinate as many people as possible, as soon as possible,” said Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes.

Eligibility

The vaccine distribution is guided by “phases” according to the State of Tennessee’s Vaccination Plan. Only those eligible in the current “phases” will be able to make an appointment. The current phases are 1a1, 1a2 (see below), and those who are age 75 years or over, and all must be a Hamilton County resident or work in Hamilton County. Proof of meeting phase criteria must be shown at the entrance.

Important Information to Know Prior to Appointment

• Do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
• Wear appropriate clothing to get a shot in upper arm
• Bring proof of Hamilton County residency (if applicable)
• Bring proof of Hamilton County employment (if applicable)
• Bring proof of age (if applicable)
• Bring COVID-19 Vaccine Encounter form (if possible; form available for download on registration page)
• Be prepared to wait 20 minutes after shot
• Be prepared for the entire process to take an hour or more

Vaccination Record Card

When patients receive their first dose with the Health Department, they will receive a Vaccination Record Card with the following important information.

• The vaccine manufacturer (either Moderna or Pfizer)
• The date the first dose of vaccine was given
• The date the second vaccine dose is due

Additional Resources

• The Health Department will announce COVID vaccination POD information on their COVID-19 webpage: http://health.hamiltontn.org/AllServices/Coronavirus(COVID-19)/Vaccine.aspx.
• Please follow the health department via their email newsletter and social media accounts, available at this link: http://health.hamiltontn.org/AllServices/Coronavirus(COVID-19)/ConnectWithUs.aspx.

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Tennessee Valley (WDEF): After Friday Morning Clouds and Fog, Some Brighter Days Are Ahead For Awhile!

This Morning, we can expect some lingering clouds with some areas of fog and drizzle.  Morning lows near 40 in the immediate Chattanooga area, but you’ll be a bit cooler in the mountains and areas away from the city.

After morning clouds and fog, look for decreasing clouds Friday Afternoon. Highs will reach the low to middle 50’s with plenty of late day sunshine.

Overnight Friday:  Mostly clear, and those clearing conditions and colder temps will drop us down to lows in the upper 20’s to around 30.

Extended Forecast: Lots of sunshine Saturday with highs near 52. Fair to partly cloudy Saturday night with lows in the low to mid 30’s.  Increasing clouds Sunday with a few late showers.  Showers more likely Sunday night.  Additional rain & shower activity and much milder for Next Monday with highs in the mid and upper 60’s.

Our seasonal highs and lows for this time of year are 50 & 31.

REMINDERS: Dress appropriately for freezing mornings, cover outdoor pipes, drip faucets, and bring your pets indoors as we get the coldest temps of the season … at least, the coldest we’ve seen so far – but there is MORE to come.

50 & 31 are our seasonal highs and lows. The seasonal afternoon highs as well as the early morning lows are now on the way down!

We’re getting in to the time to discuss freeze watches and warnings: Whenever you hear about those watches and warnings, remember a few things that could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches:  Pets should be brought inside. Cover above-ground pipes, and protect all sensitive vegetation. Check on your neighbors and the elderly. In really, REALLY cold temperatures, make sure and open cabinet doors that face exterior walls, and allow a thin stream of water about the size of a pencil lead to run from the faucet farther away from where the water enters your home.

Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search “WDEF Weather”. 

The post Weather Update: Friday Morning’s Forecast – January 22nd, 2021 appeared first on WDEF.

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – It was a passionate, lengthy conversation at the Hamilton County School Board meeting Thursday night.

“If you guys are going to get up here and call us, call me a name, call me a coward. Please, tell your superintendent to propose what he wants and just let it be. Why are we even having this conversation,” school board member Tiffanie Robinson said.

What was up for discussion was a plan to reopen schools.

There were three action plans and a fourth one pitched last minute by school board member Tucker McClendon.

But the board eventually voted to postpone it indefinitely and ended up passing unanimously a resolution instead of an action plan.

“I think board members had different opinions on actually what’s in our purview and what’s not. I was one that says you know I think this is in our purview and we should act on it and some people didn’t, and I think this resolution was a great middle ground on it,” McClendon said.

The resolution states that the board believes in-person instruction is important for all students, feels schools can and must open for in-person learning and says that the administration is authorized and directed to come up with a revised plan.

“I think it’s a moment of clarity to say, we’ve expressed what we would like to see happen. We want you to get us there. We’re going to get in the car with you, but we’re not going to try to take the wheel because that’s your job,” school board member Joe Wingate said.

Dr. Johnson explained that they’ll know more on where the school system is headed on Tuesday after getting data from county officials.

Remote learning will continue next week.

The post Hamilton County School Board does not move forward with a proposed reopening action plan appeared first on WDEF.

WASHINGTON D.C. (WDEF) – The National Transportation Safety Board has issued their preliminary findings in the deadly Meigs County school bus crash.

It does NOT identify a “Probable Cause” at this point.

The report details what they know of how a utility truck swerved into the path of the bus last October.

The bus driver and a student onboard were killed and 8 other students taken to the hospital.

Investigators are still reviewing video from the bus and training histories of both drivers before concluding their findings.

“The NTSB continues to gather information on the actions of the truck driver, issues related to the protection of school bus occupants, and roadway and pavement maintenance.”

Here is the full preliminary report:

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, about 3:45 p.m. eastern standard time, a two-vehicle collision occurred in the southbound lane of State Highway 58 (SH-58) in Decatur, Meigs County, Tennessee. In that area, the highway has one lane in each direction. The lanes are separated by a double yellow centerline, with rumble strips milled along the edges of both lanes. The highway has a posted speed limit of 55 mph.

A 2013 Thomas Built transit style 78-passenger school bus was southbound on SH-58, carrying 22 K‑12 students home from school. At the same time, a 2018 Freightliner truck, configured as a service vehicle for a local utility company and equipped with a boom arm, was traveling north. In the 7700 block of SH-58, the truck drifted off the right edge of the pavement and the right tires went into the ditch. The truck driver reported that it happened while he looked in his mirror. As the driver steered back onto the roadway, the truck yawed counterclockwise and crossed into the southbound lane, in front of the school bus. The bus collided with the right side of the truck, between the rear axle and the front of the utility box, and also hit the right side of the boom arm. The bus came to rest in the southbound lane. The truck continued across the highway into the trees, coming to rest off the west side of the road. Figure 1 is an aerial view of the final rest positions of the two vehicles. Figure 2 shows the damage to the truck.

The 53-year-old bus driver and a 7-year-old student passenger seated directly behind her were trapped in the bus and had to be extricated. Both were fatally injured. Eight other student passengers were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The truck driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The school bus was not equipped with passenger seat belts.

Preliminary information indicates that the drivers of both vehicles were properly licensed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is gathering records on the training and qualifications of both drivers. The school bus was equipped with several onboard cameras. The videos from the cameras are being evaluated for preimpact views inside and outside the bus.

The NTSB continues to gather information on the actions of the truck driver, issues related to the protection of school bus occupants, and roadway and pavement maintenance. All aspects of the crash remain under investigation as the NTSB determines the probable cause, with the intent of issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar crashes. The NTSB is working alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which is conducting a separate, parallel investigation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Daimler Trucks North America are parties to the investigation.

The post NTSB issues Preliminary Report on Meigs Bus Crash appeared first on WDEF.

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Ashley Moffitt had been looking for her dog, Jax, for weeks. She had just about given up hope when she was contacted that Jax had been turned in to MARC in Marion County.

Now, Ms. Moffitt is preparing to take legal action against MARC, claiming that they wanted over $1300 to get her dog back.

“She came at me with like this outrageous number and I was like 932 dollars, to get my own dog back? She’s given away, not even kidding – mutts, for free, back to their owners. Just because they’re ready to get them out of there,” says Moffitt.

Moffitt claims that her lost dog, Jax, was picked up by a volunteer for MARC – and after a review by their board, they determined that the cost to reclaim the dog would be around $900.

Executive Director April Bowden says that this is standard procedure for most shelters.

“We have a reclaiming fee of ten dollars a day which added up we’ve never had an animal reclaimed after 81 days. He didn’t have a microchip, he didn’t have a nametag. We had no idea if he had an owner or not,” says Bowden.

Bowden claims that she didn’t feel comfortable letting Jax return to Moffitt’s home after seeing his condition upon entering the care of MARC’s workers – citing an ear infection, as well as missing patches of fur. And after 81 days in their care, Bowden says that she was told by her lawyers that they were not obligated to return Jax.

“We’ve been told by our lawyers that after the fifth day he is legally our dog and we can choose what to do with him. Morally, that’s a different determination. Morally, whether you should give the dog back, or legally you have to give the dog back,” Bowden says.

Moffitt says she ended up paying the $932 dollar fee to get Jax back, and although she’s glad to have her pup home, she hopes something like this to happen to anyone else.

The post Marion County Animal Shelter Asks Woman $900 To Retrieve Dog appeared first on WDEF.