LEX18.com - Lexington, KY

Posted: Jul 26, 2010 10:04 PM

The search for a Franklin County dog is garnering national attention. Ten year old "Copper" was lost on July 3rd, then found the same day by police. But officials at the Franklin County Humane Society mistook her for a coyote and told police to release her back into the wild. Now some animal lovers are taking their frustration to the people who help fund the Franklin County Humane Society.

At the Frankfort City Commissioners meeting on Monday night, a Franklin County Humane Society board member apologized to Copper's owner for what's been called a terrible mistake. Copper's owner has gotten calls from all over the country, even substantial money for a reward from PETA.

Animal advocates asked the Board of Commissioners to revoke their funding of the Franklin County Humane Society. They requested that the Board provide more oversight of the Humane Society's training, policies and procedures.

Several Frankfort City Commissioners said they'd like to see changes made at the Humane Society before the city's contract with them is up for renewal.

Franklin County Humane Society Board Member Paul Brooker said the organization's board is reviewing the incident, and will likely make policy changes at their next meeting. That is scheduled for Saturday, August 24 at 9 a.m.

Copper was last spotted about a week ago in the Jones Lane area of Franklin County. If you see her, call her owner at (502) 226-2580. There is $1750 reward for her return.