The
founder of an animal rescue organization in Ohio committed suicide,
taking dozens of pets with her, the Moreland Hills Police Department
told CNN.
Sandy
Lertzman, 62, founder of the Animal Rights Foundation, was found dead
November 4 inside her garage in a running car alongside 31 small rescue
dogs, police said.
Investigators found prescription vials in the vehicle and a suicide note inside the house.
According
to Sgt. Janet Boehler, a friend discovered Lertzman's body. It is
unclear how long Lertzman and the pets had been dead before they were
found. Lertzman was last seen alive November 3.
An
organization that rescues and rehabilitates all types of animals,
Animal Rights Foundation considered Lertzman a pioneer in animal rescue.
"She woke
every day to help all of God's beautiful creatures. She fed the deer,
squirrels, birds, raccoons, geese and what she called 'Sandy's Safe
Haven For All Animals' at her home,'" a statement on the Animal Rights
Foundation website said.
According
to Boehler, one dog survived. Police say it jumped out of the car, and
they found it in garage when they entered the home.
The surviving dog is recovering at home with Lertzman's husband, Rick, and son, Matthew.
"Animal
Rights Foundation will continue, as strong as ever, in Sandy's memory,"
the organization said on the website. "We will go on caring,
supporting, and helping all animals in distress and supporting laws to
protect our animals in her honor."
No comments:
Post a Comment