LINCOLNTON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A national cat advocacy group has sued the city of Lincolnton and Mayor Mike McCombs, who had his wife shoot a cat for a citizen who wanted the pet euthanized. Alley Cat Allies, a Maryland-based nonprofit that owns property and pays taxes in Lincolnton, filed the complaint in Lincoln County Superior Court on Oct. 29. The group says it is seeking a court order to stop the city and mayor from using or delegating government animal-control powers to private citizens who are not authorized under Georgia law. The case stems from an April 17 incident. According to the lawsuit and prior reporting, Lincolnton Police Officer Jason Shelton was dispatched to the home of Tommy Lee on Florence Street after Lee reported that his cat Piper had attacked him. Shelton, who also serves as an animal control officer, documented that Lee had scratches but believed the cat may have been injured when Lee fell on her and then scratched him while trying to get away. Shelton refused McCombs’ instruction to shoot the cat with his service weapon, saying he could not legally kill the animal unless it was actively attacking someone. The mayor then suggested Shelton hand over his gun so the homeowner could shoot the cat, which Shelton also refused, citing liability for the city. Shelton instead offered to help crate Piper and take her to a veterinarian for humane euthanasia. The lawsuit alleges McCombs arrived later at the home with his wife, Lizzy Long, who was carrying a…
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