Losha L. Detamore, 32; Telda D. Detamore, 34; and William D. Comerford, 71, each of 650 Donelson Drive, were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to aggravated animal cruelty in Sullivan County Criminal Court. They are set for a Dec. 17 trial.
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| Losha Detamore, William Comerford, Telda Detamore |
On May 31, Kingsport police officers were called to the suspects’ residence, locating a dead Pomeranian. A Kingsport Police Department incident report alleges the residents had left the dog tied to a post in the back yard “for a period of time” without food, water or protection from the sun.
KPD Officer Melanie Adkins and Sullivan County Assistant District Attorney Julie Canter said witnesses observed the animal in distress before it died. They were reportedly waiting for an animal shelter to open, unaware they could dial 911 for such an incident.
The incident prompted Adkins and Canter to advise the public that 911 can be used to report an animal in distress. Canter invited the public to call her at the DA’s office at 279-3278 if an officer is not dispatched to check an animal observed to be in life-threatening conditions.
“We can prevent this type of thing as a community if we work together,” said Canter.
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| The home where the little dog was left tied in the sun |
The Detamores, Comerford and a fourth suspect, Terry Whitaker, 41, of Arden, N.C., each were indicted in June by a Sullivan County grand jury. Whitaker, who was reportedly staying at the Donelson Drive residence at the time of the incident, is also charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
He is scheduled for an Aug. 10 court appearance.
Each of the four defendants is currently free on a $10,000 bond.
(timesnews.net - July 14, 2012)
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