Rare Disease Kills A Dozen Dogs At Shelter

The State Agriculture Department imposed a quarantine at the Paulding County animal shelter after dogs contracted a rare form of strep. It's the first time the disease, usually seen in horses, has been reported in dogs in Georgia, researchers said.

"It didn't appear to be anything we've ever seen before. The dog seemed healthy one day and literally dead the next," said shelter director Tracy Thompson.

The animal shelter has been shut down temporarily. The remaining dogs are on penicillin and Thompson said everything is being washed with bleach. The quarantine will be lifted and they'll open back up after they've gone seven days without any of the dogs being sick.

The last day a dog was sick was Jan. 24. The shelter hopes to reopen Monday.

Testing at University of Georgia determined the dogs were getting strep zoo. No one is sure yet how the dogs got the disease. One couple was surprised when they came to drop off their cats at the shelter.

Thompson said Douglas County is helping people in Paulding County find shelters. They can contact the Douglas County shelter to see if they have room to take strays found in Paulding.

County Clerk Accused Of Pocketing $3,800

A former clerk for the Fayette County Solicitors Office is accused of stealing taxpayer money.

Investigators said Sabrina Miller, 38, of Fayetteville, took $3,800 of county funds designated for pre-trial intervention, victim restitution and converted warrant dismissal fees for personal use.

The theft occurred from late 2008 to October 2009 during Miller's employment at the solicitor's office, said investigators. The irregularities were discovered during a review of finances and subsequently reported to District Attorney Scott Ballard. Miller is charged with one count of felony theft by taking.