As attorneys decipher the next legal steps in a pet store court case that has included multiple twists and turns, the head of the center caring for the remaining animals says she just wants the puppies moved out of limbo.
“Our concern is about getting the animals out of the middle of this,” said Karen Walsh, director of the McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center, which has housed many of the animals since they were seized June 15 from the Pet Company at Hamilton Place.
On Wednesday, Judge Donald P. Harris questioned whether City Court has jurisdiction to rule on whether the store can have its business permit reinstated following its revocation on charges of animal cruelty and neglect.
Harris told attorneys on both sides that, as he understands the Chattanooga Charter, city courts only settle violations of city code and hear misdemeanor cases when defendants waive their jury trial rights.
“It’s not really clear in the code who has the right to revoke the permits,” he said.