California: In court documents, celebrity sisters Kim and Kyle Richards arguing over whose fault it is that Kim's Pit Bull has repeatedly attacked people

CALIFORNIA -- It’s every Richards sister for themselves in a dog bite lawsuit where Kyle Richards is accusing Kim Richards of lying to her about getting rid of her pit bull after the dog attacked her daughter and others.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Kyle is demanding she be dismissed from a lawsuit filed by Kim’s former assistant and placing the blame for everything squarely on Kim.

Kim Richards and her Pit Bull Kingsley

Back in 2016, Paige Sanderson sued Kim and her sister Kyle over a pit bull attack. Sanderson claimed she went over to Kim’s home to dress for a “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” promotional event.

Once she arrived at the condo and saw Kim’s pit bull Kingsley, Sanderson says she ran into the bathroom out of fear. Sanderson says Kim told her not to be worried and she came out of the bathroom … but then the dog attacked.

She claims Kingsley lunged at her, biting and holding on to her lower abdomen and crotch. The pit bull then tore off some of her clothes, Sanderson claims, and ripped out portions of her flesh.

Kim allegedly refused to call 911 unless her personal assistant told the responders that a stray dog bit her and not Kingsley.

Kay Rozario's injuries

Kyle was listed as a defendant because she owned the property where the attack took place.

Sanderson sued for unspecified damages for emotional distress and medical bills.

In the new filing, Kyle says the only reason she is named in the case is because she bought Kim the condo where the incident took place. Kyle claims she does not get paid rent by her sister.

 

 

She says Kim is free to live at the property as she pleases and has done so since she moved in there in December 2015. Kyle claims she has to obtain Kim’s permission before visiting the property.

Kyle points out that she was not present during the alleged dog attack. Further, she claims Kim never told her that Kingsley was living at the condo until she was sued by Sanderson.

Kyle says she did not permit or condone Kingsley being present at the home or living with Kim. She says she didn’t even visit her sister from the time she moved in until April 2016

She says she believed Kim had given away Kingsley in November 2014 because Kim told her the dog went to live with a trainer.

Kim's niece Alexia was hospitalized after

being attacked by her aunt Kim's Pit Bull

The reality star points out that Kim even said this on a “RHOBH” reunion special. The two allegedly did not have any conversations about Kingsley until Kyle was hit with the suit.

Kyle explains Kim’s dog bit her daughter Alexia which caused strife between them for some time, and understandably lead Kyle to believe her sister would not allow Kingsley back into her home.

She is asking the court to dismiss her completely from the lawsuit. The case is ongoing.

PIT BULL ALLOWED TO ATTACK AT LEAST FOUR PEOPLE
Kim has had a series of incidents with this Pit Bull: four people have claimed the dog attacked them, including Kyle’s daughter, Alexia, who was attacked and hospitalized in 2014.

Kay Rozario says she was in Kim's bedroom in March 2014 when she reached over the bed and Kingsley attacked her, biting through her hand all the way to the bone. The dog also went for her face but she blocked it with her arm, which was also injured.

Rozario told TMZ ... "Kim's first reaction was, 'Please don't tell anyone.  I'll lose my show'."

Paramedics came and wanted to call animal control, but Rozario talked them out of it and said Kim would handle it.

 

Kay Rozario's injuries

(The Blast - March 8, 2018)

Earlier:

• California: Kim Richards' Best Friend Will Sue Over Dog Attack
• California: Reality star Kim Richards Sends Pit Bull to Trainer After 5th Attack on a Human
• California: Kim Richards -- She's Gotta Pay Up for Pit Bull Attack

California: Ace of Hearts Rescue Loses Right to Keep Dogs in LA After Pit Bull Attacks

CALIFORNIA -- Two Pit Bulls owned Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue, a West Hollywood group, recently attacked innocent victims in separate incidents while in the care of fosters in the city of Los Angeles. Both were declared Dangerous Dogs by LA Animal Services' GM Brenda Barnette.

This means the dogs must be removed from the city or euthanized and that the owner cannot license or keep another dog within the city limits for the next three years.

*  *  *  *  *  *

 
An appeal to the declaration on the first Pit Bull, named Aspen, was heard by the Animal Services' Commission on August 22, 2017, when the Dangerous Dog declaration was upheld.

At a November 14, 2017, hearing, Kari Whitman, founder of Ace of Hearts, appealed to overturn the decision regarding the second Pit Bull, Daytona, which had attacked two children. 

General Manager Brenda Barnette's Dangerous Dog declaration was not overturned and, therefore, her decision stands.

Dog bites and attacks in the city of LA go largely unreported to the public. However, the number of appeals to the Board of Commissioners by owners whose dogs have seriously harmed a child, adult, or maimed/killed a beloved pet are increasingly becoming a lengthy part of its meetings. In this case, Ace of Hearts is a high-profile rescue organization, which claims to “specialize in bully breeds.”

KARI WHITMAN / ACE OF HEARTS DOG RESCUE  

Kari Whiteman told the Huffington Post in 2011 that Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue began in 2001 as a non-profit devoted to rescuing dogs and providing them with loving homes. She said the inspiration was her Bulldog Ace, whom she had rescued from death row at a shelter. "When he died, I channeled my grief and frustration into trying to save other shelter dogs like Ace and find them loving homes."

During that interview, Whitman remarked, “since we specialize in ‘bully breeds,’ we’re often called upon to take in dogs from all over the country that others are reluctant to rescue because of their breed, size or need for rehabilitation.”

Kari Whitman is described on another website as, "a celebrity interior designer and television personality, and is the founder of Kari Whitman Interiors." 

Both her business, Kari Whitman Interiors, and Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue publicly share the address, 1201 Larabee St., #303, West Hollywood, CA 90069 -- a high-end luxury condo building, where a 3 bed/3 bath, 1,793 sq/ft unit was recently valued by Zillow at $1,325,801.

OK so where are all these Pit Bulls because they're definitely not all being housed at her condo.

Possible Dangerous Animal Case (Appeal): DA 172055 EV  (August 22, 2017) 

Respondent Kari Whitman was not present but was represented by legal counsel Anne McKenzie.

Attorney McKenzie argued that the foster guardians were responsible for the dog rather than Kari Whitman because they signed an agreement. She alleged that the fosters mishandled the dog, and stated that Ace of Hearts wants to rehabilitate and retrain the Pit Bull named Aspen.

Commissioner Roger Wolfson stated for the record that the General Manager confirmed the hearing officer's findings that the dog is a Dangerous Animal. Commissioner Garcia remarked that Ms. McKenzie’s arguments focused on placing responsibility for the dog on the fosters. However, the focus of the case is whether the dog is a Dangerous Animal.

Attorney McKenzie repeated an earlier argument that the "fosters" should be considered the "owners" of the dog while it is in their possession. She stated that her client is concerned that a determination of Dangerous Animal will cause Ace of Hearts to close its shelter because the Department prohibits the "owner" from owning any dogs for a period of three years.

Complaining witness Mirsita Avelarde stated that she lived in the building where a girl was caring for the dog and it suddenly attacked her on January 6 when she walked in the door, biting her leg and hip. According to Avelarde, the girl needed 80 stitches for her injuries; she believes the dog is dangerous because her own children also live in the building. 

Commissioner Wolfson inquired whether it is possible to take the dog out of circulation and hold Ace of Hearts harmless so it can continue its work with animals in the city of Los Angeles. Assistant City Attorney (ACA) Dov Lesel explained that the Board may make a strong recommendation to the General Manager to favorably look at reinstating the license opportunities for the respondent or Ace of Hearts, but that decision is at the discretion of the General Manager.

Commissioner Dicker commented that Ace of Hearts handled the matter poorly and set the dog up to fail. However, he feels that it is in everyone’s best interest to mitigate the impact on Ace of Hearts. Ms. McKenzie replied that there seemed to be unfortunate circumstances in this case that led to the group reevaluating and changing its policies regarding the selection and training of fosters.

ACA Lesel said Ace of Hearts has been around for a long time and should have been better prepared. He advised that, if the dog is deemed dangerous and its license is revoked, the group can request a discussion with the General Manager.

Commissioner Wolfson made a motion to uphold the decision of the General Manager with the strong recommendation that Ace of Hearts be restored to good standing as quickly as possible.

Attorney McKenzie asked the Board to consider license revocation without euthanizing the dog and added that Ace of Hearts is willing to sign an affidavit stating that they’ll have their most experienced foster transport the dog to a training facility for rehabilitation.

Commissioner Wolfson commended Ace of Hearts for its willingness to save the dog at their own expense.

Commissioners Gross, Garcia, Finsten and Wolfson voted to uphold the General Manager's decision. Commissioner Dicker voted "no" but then changed to an abstention.

Possible Dangerous Animal Case: DA 171306 NC (November 14, 2017).

Kari Whitman and Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue were represented by attorney Anne Brendel. (Kari Whitman arrived later.)

Commission President Gross asked Assistant City Attorney (ACA) Dov Lesel to explain the Board’s jurisdiction when the respondent’s address is in West Hollywood. ACA Lesel stated that this can be treated as any regular case in the city of Los Angeles; the fact that the owner is domiciled or incorporated in a different city should not make a difference.

FAKE SERVICE DOG

Attorney Brendel added that the police were advised Daytona was AN ALLEGED "service dog", after the attacks on two children had occurred.  

Commissioner Gross said, "There is a difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal; from what I can see, this was not a service dog." 

Attorney Brendel responded that her clients thought therapy dogs have the same protections as service dogs; she has since explained the difference.

The Pit Bull Daytona was described by Brendel as having been with a prior foster for six months with no problems, but this foster was called away suddenly for an emergency. Thus, Daytona had to be placed with a new foster -- blatantly violating the foster agreement and acting with gross negligence by throwing a party for neighbors in the apartment complex and allowing the Pit Bull to be around children and off-leash in a public area.

She contended that Ace of Hearts should not be held responsible and Daytona should not be put down because of the recklessness of the foster. She further asserted that the incident could have been avoided had the parents and the foster been more responsible.

Kari Whitman, founder of Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue, arrived and testified that she had informed the foster the dog was not good with children and had posted that information, which was also provided by San Diego Animal Control, where they adopted the Pit Bull.

However, the complaining witness, Sabrina Panal, a neighbor of the woman fostering the dog, testified it was her understanding that Daytona was okay with children and she had even checked the Ace of Hearts website, where it said, "Daytona is good with children."

Panal stated an alarming thing: the dog was not growling or showing aggression when he suddenly lunged at her 8-year-old son, grabbing him by the face and dragging him some feet before someone pulled the dog off her child. She cried as she said, looking at her child and the stitches and scars on his face, that she had had a really bad year.  

She also described an earlier incident that day involving a younger child, during which Daytona allegedly grabbed a two-year-old girl's arm in his teeth. When they heard the child screaming, the father came and took the child.

Panal said that none of the adults present saw this happen and disregarded the issue, believing the child could just have overreacted out of a fear of dogs. She stated that was the reason she agreed to the foster's request to bring the dog back to the party, where he attacked her son.

Ms. Whitman and Attorney Berne argued that the foster set the dog up to fail. Commissioner Gross expressed concern that Ms. Whitman appeared to not be taking any responsibility and would put all blame on the foster. He noted that the foster's testimony at the original hearing indicated that she made Ace of Hearts aware she was intimidated by the dog and had no experience with them.

Commissioner Gross further admonished Ms. Whitman that she has a responsibility and obligation for and to the foster, yet she is "throwing her under the bus." Whitman disagreed.

Gross added that there were texts in evidence [provided to the Board] that were also of concern, adding that the foster's testimony and the texts from an unidentified source, "show that she was being told to hide the Pit Bull and deceive the police and animal control." Kari Whitman denied knowledge of the texts.

Commissioner Dicker commented that he finds this to be "unconscionable." He opined that the dog has sensitivity around children, but he believes that "triggers can be managed." He agreed with license revocation and moving the dog outside the city of Los Angeles, rather than destroying the dog.

This is called NIMBY = not in my backyard. It's when officials, such as Commissioner Dicker, bans the vicious dog from its jurisdiction -- dumping it into your community. The vicious dog has no restrictions and they're not required to tell anyone (police, animal control) that this vicious dog is moving to their community. It could live next door to you and you would never know.

He stated that the rescue group was irresponsible and should be barred from pulling dogs from LAAS shelters or having dogs in the City of Los Angeles for three years.

Commissioner Olivia Garcia agreed that the rescue group "was irresponsible and failed the dog."

Commissioner Gross asserted that the dog has demonstrated aggression and attacked two children, and the Board has a responsibility to ensure that other children are not attacked. He stated that there is no guarantee that the dog will be trained. He therefore made a motion to uphold the decision of the General Manager to declare Daytona to be a Dangerous Animal.

Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion, but it failed by a vote of 2-1, with Commissioner Dicker voting against it.  (On a five-member Commission, three "aye" votes are required for any action regardless of number present.) The result was that, without a majority vote, the General Manager’s decision stands.

Thus, the Pit Bull Daytona must either be moved out of the City or euthanized. This also means that Kari Whitman or Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue may not own or license a dog in the city of Los Angeles for three years.

(It was not clear at the meeting or from the minutes whether Ace of Hearts will be allowed to "pull" dogs from LA City shelters.)

ACE OF HEARTS RESCUE "QUARRELS" WITH ANIMAL SHELTER 

Another serious issue involving Ace of Hearts was revealed in a February 7, 2016 article in the Victorville Daily Press.  It describes a “quarrel” between Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue in Beverly Hills [Ace of Hearts lists a P.O. Box in Beverly Hills] and the Apple Valley Municipal Animal Shelter, resulting from the General Manager of Animal Services having posts of 11 of its shelter dogs removed from the Ace of Hearts’ website. (The photos had been uploaded by the rescue from Adoptapet.com and Petfinders.com, according to the article.)

Kari Whitman of Ace of Hearts, responded that her rescue “routinely posts animals from anywhere between 60 and 90 shelters across California, providing adoption information to the website’s more than 100,000 monthly visitors,” the Daily Press reports.

However, Animal Services Manager Gina Whiteside countered that Ace of Hearts’ posts, “did more harm than good because the posts contained misinformation.” She pointed to wording that the dogs are “in danger in Apple Valley,” and, “I’m being cared for by Ace of Hearts Rescue" appearing under the photos.

"The dogs were never in the rescue’s care,” Whiteside said, adding that Ace of Hearts was “changing the description and removing the shelter’s contact information.”  

“A comparison of posts provided by Whiteside showed that Ace of Hearts also removed the shelter’s adoption process in lieu of its own, which included filling out an application on the rescue’s website, submitting to a house check and donating $400,” the report confirms. 

Whitman said that donation is only a requirement for dogs at Ace of Hearts’ facility in Beverly Hills. "We only charge a fee on our dogs, not Apple Valley’s.”

Dog adoptions at the shelter start at $85. Whiteside responded, “They’re not helping us. They’re confusing the adopters and delaying the placement of animals.”

One “confused adopter” who was fearful an animal was “in danger of euthanasia” told the Daily Press she started the Ace of Hearts adoption process but became "leery" and called the shelter, where she learned “the dog had not been in danger and had already been adopted from the shelter.”

Whiteside told reporter Matt Cabe that the shelter does not plan to disassociate itself from Ace of Hearts but said, “the rescue’s criticism doesn’t help anyone. It pulls us away from our focus, which is saving animals lives.”

DOES "RESCUING" ANIMALS JUSTIFY ALL CONSEQUENCES? 

Ace of Hearts was made publicly accountable by Apple Valley Animal Services for disregarding the need for total transparency, honesty and mutual support between rescues and municipal shelters.

The L.A. Animal Services' Commission rightfully determined that Ace of Hearts must be held to the same -- or higher -- standard than the average owner whose pet suddenly (or repeatedly) exhibits aggressive behavior.

But there was no discussion about the origin of the animals which are being given to Ace of Hearts and other “rescues” by various shelters, including Los Angeles Animal Services.

There are several decisions made by governmental agencies to permit "animal rescues," i.e., the State of California and the Internal Revenue Service officially approve a non-profit corporation to which the public can donate for that purpose, with no consideration of the agencies capability of performing this serious and risky task.

And there is the complicity by those shelters which allow unmonitored "rescues" to take dogs that have been deemed too aggressive/dangerous/vicious to be adopted directly to the public -- in other words, too unpredictable and/or uncontrollable for the city/county to take the risk. 

There is no question that Ace of Hearts (or any rescue) must be held responsible for its actions, its fosters, and for harm done by any animal it its care in LA. Failure to do so must result in restrictions by the City.

But, at some point we must also look at the accountability of the "no kill" movement -- promoted vigorously by the very Commissioners making this decision -- and the guilt it irresponsibly imposes on both shelters and rescues, regardless of the consequences. 

ARTICLE COMMENTS:

Miranda • a day ago
This article is not even based on facts, the dog that nipped the child was not even a pit bull you ignorant idiots, get your facts straight. The dog was a american Bulldog that was put with a foster that was aware that the dog was nippy and not good with children. She decided it was a good idea to let the dog loose in a courtyard unsupervised during a party with a bunch of children, the child did not suffer life threatening injuries, i had more stitches then the child falling off my bike.

This is clearly written by someone that has no interest in any facts and is prejudice against a certain breed of dog that was not even involved in the incident. And its pathetic that you have nothing better to write about rather then an Innocent that isn't even factually correct. You should really reevaluate your career choice. Ace of hearts has saved over 2500 innocent dogs lives, all different breeds, and just because of one bad foster does not make this a bad organization. No one is 100% perfect, no one was killed or will be affected the rest of their lives from the incident that happened. If anything its sad that the dog will be killed because of some ignorant idiot put kids at risk by taking in an abused dog that was hurt and damaged and allowing him to be around kids knowing his problems, its a dog that does not know better the person that allowed it to happen on the other hand did..

The dog in the photo isn't even a pit bull....... ha that is how put together your article is.

   

  

  

According to the website amandamillsla.com:
Ace of Hearts is dog rescue foundation dedicated to rescuing big dogs that are to be euthanized, from various Los Angeles shelters and placing them in loving homes.

The Ace of Hearts Foundation is in memory of “Ace”, a wonderful American Bull dog who was rescued from death, and touched the lives of many! (Especially founder the beautiful Kari Whitman!) They  rescue all breeds…and don’t discriminate against any but they are experts in the big babies!

Could they be any more slobbering in their description of "the beautiful Kari Whitman!"? Also, what makes Ace of Hearts "experts" in dealing with large dogs? We all know they mean Pit Bulls. 

Rarely do rescues have issues with extra-large breeds such as Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Wolfhounds, St. Bernards, etc. attacking and killing other pets, attacking children, attacking adults, attacking fosters.

Just because you've owned a large bully breed dog doesn't mean you're an 'expert'. 

This woman's petition alleges that Kari Whitman and Ace of Hearts had her foster a sick puppy that they ended up adopting - only for the puppy to be taken back and refusing to reimburse them.

YELP REVIEWS:

(City Watch LA - Nov 27, 2017)

Georgia: Shaq furnishes home of Atlanta girl who survived dog attack

GEORGIA -- A young dog attack victim has made a miraculous recovery, and former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal wants to make sure she continues that progress.

Syrai Sanders, 5, returned home earlier this week after spending two months recovering from that dog attack. She and her classmate 6-year old Logan Braatz were attacked while walking to their school bus stop.

Logan died and Syrai was seriously injured.

In honor of her homecoming, basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal invited Syrai and her family to meet him at a northwest Atlanta "Rooms to Go", where he bought her family new furniture.

  

 

Syrai's family told FOX 5 News that Shaq has been involved with the family since the January attack.

Syrai still has a long road to recovery ahead of her.  But she is on the mend and in good spirits.  More than anything, she says she just wants to go back to school.

 

(Fox5 - March 16 2017)

Earlier:

• Georgia: Boy, 6, is mauled to death and girl, 5, is seriously injured in horror pit bull attack on their way to school
• Georgia: Cameron Tucker, whose 2 dogs mauled a small boy to death, has charges upgraded to involuntary manslaughter. Meanwhile, the media is now calling the pit bull mix a Border Collie

Maryland: Daughter and grandaughter of Malcolm X - Malikah Shabazz, 51, and 19-year-old Bettih Shabazz, 19 - arrested in stolen UHaul with injured pit bulls stuffed inside

MARYLAND -- The daughter and granddaughter of famed black power activist Malcolm X were arrested on charges of cruelty to animals as well as car theft, La Plata, Maryland police report.

Officials say that an off duty Prince George’s County officer became suspicious of a vehicle and called the plates in over his radio, only to discover the vehicle was reported stolen in Vermont earlier in the day.

The officer alerted authorities and a Charles County police officer spotted the U-Haul truck.

Police stopped the vehicle in a Walmart parking lot on January 25. Officers discovered 51-year-old Malikah Saban Shabazz and 19-year-old Bettih Bahiyah Shabazz inside the vehicle.

Both were arrested, Fox 5 D.C. reported.

What was inside the truck was unexpected. Investigators discovered seven pit bull terriers, some with injuries, stuffed into small cages inside the truck. 

As a result of the discovery, police charged the older of the two women with animal cruelty for the inhumane conditions inside the truck. Animal control officers removed the dogs and report they are in stable condition.

Malikah Shabazz was charged with seven counts of animal cruelty and car theft. Bettih Bahiyah Shabazz was charged only with theft.

The 51-year old Malikah Shabazz is the daughter of assassinated Muslim activist Malcolm X, whose real name was Malcolm Little but later changed to Malik el-Shabazz when he converted to Islam. She gave police an address in Stark, New Hampshire as to where she resides. Bettih Bahiyah Shabazz, Malcolm X’s granddaughter, seems to have no fixed address.

Malikah Shabazz has been in trouble with the law before. In 2011 she pleaded guilty to identity theft after amassing $55,000 in debts under the name of the widow of one of Malcolm X’s past bodyguards. She was sentenced to probation in that case, the Associated Press reported.

(Breitbart - Jan 28, 2017)

California: 'A Dog's Purpose' movie under investigation for animal abuse after video surfaces of them horrifically forcing terrified dogs into rushing water; one nearly drowns

CALIFORNIA -- The upcoming movie "A Dog's Purpose" is reportedly under investigation for animal abuse.

Video obtained by TMZ shows a German Shepherd, one of at least five dogs used in the film, visibly resisting participating in a stunt with rushing water.

Production sources say eight outboard motors were used in a pool outside Winning in November to film the scene, and the dog can be seen clawing at the pool's edge as a crew member attempts to push it in.

The video is hard to watch. This poor dog struggles repeatedly
while the handler continues grabbing him and dragging him to the
edge before finally shoving him in. No one standing around
does anything or makes any comments regarding the dog
NOT WANTING TO DO THIS.

Then you see the dog desperately trying to get out of the water and then submerging under the water - clearly drowning. You hear someone yell cut and handlers swim towards the dog before the video stops.

No actors are visible in the clip, but TMZ reports director Lasse Hallstrom ("The Cider House Rules," "Dear John") was present during filming of the scene. Amblin Partners and Universal Pictures say they have seen the video and are investigating.

"Fostering a safe environment and ensuring the ethical treatment of our animal actors was of the utmost importance to those involved in making this film and we will look into the circumstances surrounding this video," the companies said in a statement.

Nearly drowned: After swimming to this end, the dog
goes under someone yells "Cut", the handler
starts swimming to where the dog disappeared.

Based on the best-selling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, the film is told from the perspective of a dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson and Peggy Lipton also star.

According to USA Today, the book "A Dog's Purpose" has sold 2.5 million copies since its release in 2010 and is currently No. 1 on the newspaper's Best-Selling Books list. It's the first publication about a dog to top the chart since "Marley & Me," which was also adapted into a film, in 2006.

"A Dog's Purpose" is scheduled for release in theaters on Jan. 27.

(Syracuse.com - Jan 18, 2017)

Read the Hollywood Reporter article "No animals were harmed". You'll find that the animal welfare people on movie sets allow cruelty and deaths to happen. - link http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/feature/

California: Actor Mark Harmon's Pit Bull Attacked Crew Member on 'NCIS' Set

CALIFORNIA -- Actor Mark Harmon's three-year-old pit bull mix named Dave attacked a crew member on the set of the TV show NCIS.

The crew member needed 16 stitches as a result of the attack.

Reports say Harmon adopted the pit bull mix when it was a puppy and I'm sure he has never abused it or trained it to be vicious, so it'll be interesting to see how people defend the dog and blame the owner.

 

 

Australia: Professional BMX rider Fabian Meharry, 27, pleads guilty to a staggering 193 charges of rape, child and animal porn (cruelty)

AUSTRALIA -- A professional BMX rider has pleaded guilty to a staggering 193 charges of rape, child porn and animal porn.

Fabian Roy Meharry, 27, pleaded guilty to all 193 charges when he appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.

The high-profile BMX rider allegedly forced young children to perform horrific sex acts on themselves, on animals and their own family members which he filmed as part of sickening pornography movies.

The 27-year-old allegedly forced two girls to perform sex acts on a dog, and young siblings to perform sex acts on each other, according to the charge sheets released by Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Meharry's charge list includes rape, sexually penetrating children younger than 16-years-old, and making child pornography movies.

He's also charged with using a carriage to procure, groom and engage in sexual activity with children, according to The Age.

Meharry's alleged offences were all committed in northern Victorian towns including Echuca, Nathalia and Yielima.

The BMX rider was also a part-time web developer, building a social networking app for BMX riders to swap information about riding.

He also ran another website called Magic BMX Freestyle where he posted a video about working with police to help 'make the skate park a safer place'.

Meharry has been a registered sex offender since 2011, due to a number of charges including failing to report that he'd been in contact with children when he wasn't allowed.

While Magistrate Belinda Wallington said 'much of the material is shocking' she commended Meharry for pleading guilty and ensuring his victims would not have to give evidence at a trial.

Meharry was remanded in police custody on Friday and is due to appear at the County Court on December 6.

(Daily Mail - Oct 21, 2016)

Canada: Michael Hackenberger Charged With Animal Cruelty After Undercover Video Surfaced of Him Brutally Whipping Cowering Tiger

CANADA -- Life Of Pi tiger trainer abuser Michael Hackenberger has resigned after being charged with five counts of animal cruelty by the Ontario SPCA.

The allegations first arose in December of 2015 after PETA posted an undercover video online showing the Bowmanville Zoo owner beating a young tiger 19 times.

Hackenberger supplied the tiger for the hit 2012 film The Life of Pi and also trained animals for James Franco's The Interview. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has legal authority in animal welfare cases and filed the charges after spending "significant time reviewing the facility and interviewing all involved.”

Hackenberger was found to have struck the male Siberian tiger, Uno, in the face and elsewhere on the body with a whip. This incident caused the animal distress as he pushed his thumb into the animal's eye.

  

 

Note: This video is nauseating. I only got 20 seconds into the 1-1/2 minute video and I had to stop it. It's horrible. This poor tiger rolls over onto its belly in a submissive position and you just hear that whip cracking over and over as it's slashing onto the tiger.

Hackenberger then comments that if someone had videotaped what he'd just done, "PETA would burn this place to the ground". 

The abuse of this beautiful tiger is disgusting. The same should be done to Hackenberger.

The Life of Pi film was first in the spotlight after its release as questions arose over the treatment of the animal used to play Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger stranded on a life raft with the main character in the film, Pi Patel.

At the time of its release, The Hollywood Reporter investigated the film and was shown emails in which an American Humane Association claimed that the tiger nearly drowned during the shooting of scenes within a giant water tank. 

Director Ang Lee was said to consider these incidents “accidents”.

(World Animal News - April 15, 2016)

Maryland: Former Raven DT Terrence Cody Sentenced To 9 Months In Animal Cruelty Case

MARYLAND -- Former Raven Terrence Cody begins serving a jail sentence. Cody was sentenced to nine months in the Baltimore County Detention Center in an animal cruelty case.

Cody was found guilty of negligence leading to the death of his dog, Taz. According to the vet, Cody let the dog, a canary mastiff, starve to death.

Cody paid $8,000 to purchase and import Taz, a Canary mastiff, from Spain.

Terrence Cody arrived at court Thursday morning for sentencing in the case of his dog, Taz. The former Raven nose tackle was indicted last year for animal cruelty and neglect after his canary mastiff died of starvation. It was barely breathing when he brought it to a vet.

 

“That dog didn’t deserve what happened to it.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Adam Lippe tells WJZ this case represents the importance of caring for animals.

“His celebrity status meant just that he should have known better, that was more of his problem than anyone else’s. He was a guy that portrayed himself as knowledgeable about animals–he knew about animals, he’s trained animals, he owned animals–but he turned on this one dog,” said Lippe.

Cody was convicted of neglect, and his attorney told WJZ on Thursday the court did not find him guilty of aggravated animal abuse because his actions were not intentional.

PETA released the following statement:

PETA wonders how many times the NFL has to be asked to enroll its players in an empathy training program—and when cruelty to animals, children, and women will be grounds to be chucked out of the game? The Baltimore Ravens cut Terrence Cody over cruelty allegations last year, which is to the team’s credit, but it seems that even if Cody had been caught on tape starving his dog in an elevator, the NFL still would have welcomed him back. All eyes are on the NFL to make it clear that the gridiron should be home to compassionate players like Tyrann Mathieu, Jarvis Landry, and Stevie Johnson, not a breeding ground for bullies.

Cody’s girlfriend Kourtney J. Kelley, 28, was also convicted of neglecting the dog.

The Ravens released Terrence Cody after his conviction.

Another article said Cody and his uncle were running a Presa Canario breeding business in Alabama.

(CBS Local - March 24, 2016)

Earlier:

• Terrence Cody under investigation for animal cruelty, report says, as Ravens announce his release
• Terrence Cody's animal-cruelty trial opens with photos of emaciated dog
• Terrence Cody starved his dog to death - a "horrible, miserable death". Maryland law says it is a felony to cruelly kill your pet. However, Judge Judith C. Ensor dismisses felony charges.