PETA calls for change after finding dead and decaying dogs in Bertie County

WINDSOR, N.C. (WITN) - A shocking video released by PETA has reignited calls for a ban on chaining dogs after three dogs were discovered dead.

Juju, Drako, and Eve are three dogs that lived in Bertie County, where PETA made previous welfare checks since discovering the dogs at the residence where they say they were found chained and living in poor conditions.

“It’s kind of nauseating to me. I think it’s a really bad practice and I hate to see it,” Bertie County resident Heidi Bonislawski said.

In November, a field worker came by the trailer and made a discovery that is too graphic to air; the three dogs were found dead and decaying.

“It’s devastating for us to see them suffering like this,” PETA local affairs of cruelty investigation director Rachel Bellis said.

Bellis says they had repeatedly offered supplies and asked the owner, Tanikia Peele, to surrender the dogs before they found all three dead.

Tanikia and her daughter, Sha’lexia Peele, were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals and abandonment.

Bellis says that this case is one of many that PETA has seen not only in Bertie County but across ENC.

She adds that the issue of chaining dogs is one that she says she’s been trying to get county commissioners to ban for years, and that they haven’t taken action.

“Showing them photo after photo, video after video, of dogs suffering under their watch,” Bellis said. “Nothing has happened, no improvements have been made, I don’t know why, and I don’t know how you can continue to see these dogs suffering and not do anything about it.”

Bonislawski says she wants more to be done. “Frankly, it’s a little bit frustrating because I think that there should’ve been more done sooner. I’m actually inclined to holler at my county commissioner to tell you the truth. If they’re considering a ban [chained ban] like that, I would be on board.”

We reached out to county officials for comment, but have not heard back.