TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) — The owner of a wildlife rescue facility in Tifton was charged for failing to provide secure facilities and enclosures for the animals in her care, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed, after a January incident that left several animals dead.

>> READ MORE: Animals killed at Tifton wildlife rehab after fence breached; owner calls act ‘evil’ <<

The DNR provided a press release Thursday, Feb. 19, which said the investigation into Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab is complete.

The DNR said their investigation revealed that all the animals found dead at Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab were killed after domestic dogs got into their enclosures.

Owner Jessica Pisciotta was charged with one misdemeanor count of Violation of Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit, specifically for “failure to provide secure facilities and enclosures necessary to protect both the wildlife and the public,” the release said.

The Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab shared the DNR’s press release on its Facebook page.

The rescue center responded with the following:

“The clamps/bolts were removed from the chain link allowing dogs into the enclosure bypassing our locks. The 6 large metal clamps/12 bolts were not left behind or found anywhere on the property.

We have worked tirelessly since to ensure our rescue is not only predator proof but also human proof, we have dozens of live streaming cameras on all corners of the property. These cameras are what caught the vehicle parked outside the rescue allowing the dogs out during the last attack.

I was prepared to protect the wildlife against predators, however I never expected the need to protect against humans with tools to dismantle enclosures and let predators in.

The dogs were left both times on the property by a dark colored 4 door truck. They were very aggressive and attempted to attack a volunteer that was on the scene when the last attack occurred.

If it was not for the volunteers and myself taking shifts staying on site at all times after the first incident the last incident would have been much worse, he is blessed beyond measure that he had a weapon and the dog didn’t make it another 3 feet.

If you would like to help us to continue to build and strengthen our local wildlife rescue to ensure the safety against not only predators but HUMANS we have work days each weekend.

Keep the rescue in your prayers.”

For Pisciotta’s full statement, view the center’s Facebook post here.

Officials said the rehabilitation center will be monitored by the Georgia DNR’s Law Enforcement Division to ensure compliance with state regulations.

WALB is working to learn more. Stay with us.

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