Jacqueline Lockard of Delran was charged Aug. 2 with theft of lost property and animal cruelty after a 3-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever named Moose died in her care. Lockard allegedly failed to return the missing dog to its owners, who frantically searched for their pet for more than a month before discovering it had perished while crated in Lockard’s hot car on July 13.
Lockard initially said she found the dog dead beneath a tank outside the American Legion Post 146 in Riverside, but later confessed to selling Moose to an unidentified Pennsylvania family, according to Delran police. She also allegedly arranged to be paid by the family to train the dog with full knowledge that Moose was being sought by his owners. The case has prompted new state legislation.
In court Tuesday, defense attorney Bonnie Geller-Gorman said her client had renamed the dog Cocoa and was given $100 for the sale.
“There’s no question that she exercised poor judgment,” Geller-Gorman said.
Lockard has been described by Delran police as a novice dog rescuer and trainer. She faces a number of criminal and civil charges related to her work, according to Burlington County Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Paszkiewicz.
In addition to charges being handled in Superior Court, Lockard has municipal charges pending in Delran. Also, the Burlington County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has filed six civil charges against her related to Moose’s treatment.
According to county SPCA representative Cheri Mosca, who accompanied Moose’s owner, Sissy Workman, to court Tuesday, the dog had “inadequate” shelter, food and water. Mosca said the agency also filed four additional charges against Lockard connected to two other dogs that were in her care last summer.
Paszkiewicz said Lockard faces further unspecified charges in Pennsylvania for the operation of an unlicensed kennel.
“There seems to be a pattern of improper care of animals,” the attorney said.
Geller-Gorman acknowledged the accusations related to Moose’s death, but noted that Lockard had no criminal convictions. In her argument favoring pretrial intervention, Geller-Gorman said all the charges were more appropriate for municipal court. She indicated that public outrage over the case had an influence.
“If not for the emotion (of this case), we wouldn’t be here,” she said.
In her objection to pretrial intervention, Paszkiewicz cited a “series of purposeful steps” that led to Moose’s death and Lockard’s subsequent effort to cover up her involvement.
“It’s despicable conduct,” Paszkiewicz said. “Moose had a family that was searching for him.”
Lockard’s initial application for pretrial intervention was rejected in the fall. The program allows defendants, generally first-time offenders, the chance to complete a supervised program as an alternative to jail time and other criminal sanctions.
If a defendant successfully completes the program, which could include substance abuse treatment, counseling, restitution and community service, the charges are dismissed and there is no record of conviction.
“She deserves a chance for no record,” Geller-Gorman said.
The appeal to Lockard’s rejection was denied by Judge Jeanne T. Covert, allowing the charges to be considered for indictment.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Lockard mostly stared straight ahead and was frowning. She said nothing.
Sissy Workman, who attended the hearing with several supporters, was heard sobbing as the events leading up to her dog’s death were presented.
“This has been a hard day,” she said later. “I’m glad that they followed through on their (original) decision. I think some people deserve (pretrial intervention), but not in her case.”
The incident has inspired Moose’s Law, a New Jersey bill sponsored by Assemblymen Troy Singleton, D-7th of Palmyra; Herb Conaway, D-7th of Delanco; and John Burzichelli, D-3rd of Paulsboro. In December, the Assembly approved the measure, which would increase penalties for the abuse or neglect of pets. The Senate has yet to vote on the bill.
Moose’s Law would bar people convicted of animal cruelty in any state from working in animal care jobs, such as veterinarian offices, dog training centers, rescue groups, kennels or groomers. The measure also would bar people who have been convicted of animal cruelty from owning a pet.
Workman has spoken publicly and to lawmakers in support of the bill. She said her objective is simply to “prevent another tragedy.”
(phillyBurbs.com - Jan 11, 2013)
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