| Case ID: 4612 |
| Classification: Hoarding |
| Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull) |
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| Person(s) in animal care |
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Monday, Jun 27, 1994
County: MecklenburgDisposition: Convicted
Case Images: 4 files available
Defendant/Suspect: Camille Hankins
Camille Hankins, 41, who now lives in Charlotte, was was convicted of animal cruelty in 1995 after PETA employees found over 80 cats and dogs living in her North Carolina home on June 27.
Described in the Canada Free Press as "Chief organizer for "Win Animal Rights" (W.A.R.), a New York City subgroup of SHAC that regularly holds intimidating late-night protests at targeted Americans' homes", Hankins was reportedly running a rescue, called AnimalSave.
Over 20 volunteers arrived at her Lathan Road home to help bathe and dip the animals. Hankins had called PETA for help in placing the animals for adoption after she received an eviction notice, and the animals rights group was shocked at the condition of the animals they found. Hankins reportedly claimed that PETA declined to help her, and spoke only of euthanizing the animals. The animals were confiscated by PETA and most were treated placed in new homes - about 20 were euthanized.
PETA investigator Teresa Gibbs testified that the animals running around outside were in unshaded pens and suffered from mange. Inside, she said she found cats and kittens in cages, animal feces and urine on the floors and walls, and more sick animals.
In the State of South Carolina v. Camille Hankins, Brian M. Gibbons tried this case back in 1995. In the South Carolina General Assembly (116th Session, 2005-2006) Journal of the Senate (No. 70 - May 6, 2005), Gibbons wrote:
"My client was charged with cruelty to animals. She had in excess of 80 dogs and cats in her house. A representative of PETA charged her and we had a day long trial in magistrate's court in front of a jury. Significant for the intense media scrutiny, both regional and national with PETA. Client convicted, received a small fine and last I heard is still rescuing animals in North Carolina. "
Judge James Sealy fined Hankins $205.
References
- - Jul 6, 1994
- - Jul 8, 1994
- (116th Session, 2005-2006) Journal of the Senate (No. 70 - May 6, 2005)
- The Charlotte Observer - ANIMAL CRUELTY CONVICTION - March 23, 1995
- The Charlotte Observer - GOOD INTENTIONS END IN CRUELTY CHARGES - July 17, 1994
- The Charlotte Observer - VOLUNTEERS NURTURE 65 SEIZED CATS, DOGS - July 3, 1994
- The Charlotte Observer - RESCUER OF STRAY CATS AND DOGS ARRESTED June 28, 1994
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