Tragic antifreeze death inspires Ga. legislation to save pets

Becky Davis knew the moment she saw her dogs that something was wrong.

“I could look in their eyes and see they were in trouble,” the Jefferson woman said.

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Becky Davis

Chief, an 8-year-old German shepherd, died when someone poisoned her with antifreeze.

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Then she found the chicken and potatoes in her yard, soaked in antifreeze. Someone had deliberately poisoned her two 8-year-old dogs, Chief and Rebel.

Although she got them to a veterinarian within an hour of the poisoning, the vets were able to save only Rebel, and he has permanent kidney and brain damage. She lost her German shepherd, Chief.

Police never discovered who killed her dog, but the poisoning spurred Davis to action.

“I sent e-mails to everyone, including the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA and my elected officials, including Tommy Benton,” Davis said.

It was Rep. Benton (R-Jefferson), who responded, saying if she sent him some research on the topic, he’d look into introducing a bill on the issue.

The result is House bill 219, which would require antifreeze sold in Georgia to have a bittering agent added to it. The main ingredient in almost all antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste and smell that often attracts animals and children. Only a teaspoon can kill a pet or small child.

Benton said the bill will require an additive that would make antifreeze taste bitter, and it would add only about 2-3 cents to the cost of a gallon of antifreeze. He said antifreeze manufacturers have told him they support the bill.

Cheryl McAuliffe, the state representative for the HSUS, said her organization supports the bill, which is similar to legislation passed in at least six other states.

“I get calls frequently from people saying my pet has been antifreezed,” McAuliffe said. “This solution is so simple and inexpensive, and it protects people as well as animals.”

The bill was still pending in a house committee last week, and Benton said he was hopeful it would be voted on in time to get it to a full vote in both the House and Senate this year.

Davis, who is approaching the first anniversary of the poisonings this month, said she’ll continue to push the bill.

“I’d rather spend that 2 cents than $7,000 and still lose my dog,” Davis said. “I think anybody would.”

Doggie manners class

Dogs will learn basic commands and even work to pass the Canine Good Citizen test during this six-week training course at the Dacula Activities Building. Sponsored by the Gwinnett Humane Society, it starts March 15. One-hour classes at 2:30 p.m. or 3:45 p.m. $75, with discounts for dogs adopted from rescue groups. 2735 Auburn Ave., 770-798-7711 Ext. 7, or gwinnetthumane.com.

See more than 300 cats at the Atlanta Phoenix Cat Show March 14-15. The show includes vendors, food and adoptable cats from the Persian Rescue Society. At the East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 14; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 15. Tickets $5 or $4 for children or seniors ages 65 and older. Atlantacatshows.org.

This March 21 sit-down dinner benefits the Cherokee County Humane Society and includes live music, an auction and dancing. 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Metro Atlanta North church, 11420 Crabapple Road, Roswell. Donations of at least $50 requested to attend, and reservations must be made by March 14 by calling 770-642-8805. Information: cchumanesociety.org.

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Know of pet news, events or stories? Tell Sandra Eckstein at seckstein@ajc.com or call 404-526-7260. For more pet news, go to ajcpets.com.