The dog, a Yorkie-poodle mix named Jasper, was dripping blood from its neck when owner Latoya Holmes, 23, came to the shelter on Saturday, according to Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter Director Robin Beaulieu.
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| Latoya Holmes |
Jasper was immediately taken to a Metairie animal hospital where a vet determined that he had to undergo surgery. The 1-inch wide wound went around the dog's entire neck and was so deep it nearly exposed the animal's trachea, an arrest report said.
Jasper is expected to recover, but the vet told animal shelter officials that the injury didn't occur recently. Beaulieu said the shelter contacted the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.
In the meantime, Holmes called the animal shelter Monday and made inquiries about getting back the dog. But when she arrived at the shelter, she was questioned by authorities. The deputy noted that Holmes had no rational reason for the dog's injuries other than gross negligence, the arrest report said.
Holmes was booked Tuesday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna with animal cruelty. She was released the same day on a $7,500 bond.
Jasper is in the custody of the animal shelter and will remain so until a judge can preside over the case. But in order to reclaim Jasper, Holmes must pay a monthly bond set by the animal shelter for his care, Beaulieu said.
The first $500 payment is due 15 days from her arrest. If Holmes fails to pay the bond, Jasper becomes the property of the animal shelter and will become available for adoption.
"It was the cutest dog. It was so good though all of this pain and it was excruciating pain," Beaulieu said.
(The Times-Picayune - March 14, 2012)
