CANADA -- Toronto Police shot and killed a pit bull on Saturday just after 4 p.m. when it attacked a shih tzu and held the small dog down with a “locked-jaw grip,” police said.
Police received a call for an “unknown trouble” at a Toronto Community Housing Corp. home at Winchester Street and Rose Avenue in Cabbagetown, where they saw bystanders “screaming and yelling” while trying to pry the pit bull away from the shih tzu.
“The policeman was hitting the dog so hard with his baton that it flung out of his hands but the pit bull would not let go,” said Samantha Thornton, a resident in the area. She said the owner of the shih tzu was in “hysterics.”
According to Ms. Thornton, police shot the dog twice in the leg and when it still didn’t release the shih tzu, they shot it in the head.
“Due to the safety and security of the Shih Tzu, the public, and the other officers involved, the officer made the decision to put down the pit bull,” said Const. Jenniferjit Siduh.
Ms. Thornton said the shih tzu is alive and recovering from the attack.
Police said they do not know who the owner of the deceased dog is.
Craig Ashbourne, a spokesperson for TCHC, said the pit bull did not belong do a TCHC tenant.
Residents in the neighbourhood told the National Post that pit bulls were bred in the building. Pit bull breeding has been illegal since the 2005 Dog Owner’s Liability Act and owners can face a $10,000 fine and six months jail time for noncompliance.
The law permits pit bulls born before 2005, provided they wore muzzles and had a maximum leash length of 1.8 meters.
(National Post - Sept 26, 2014)
Showing posts with label september 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label september 2014. Show all posts
Monday, October 20, 2014
"Not guilty", says jury of NY man who beat dog over the head causing multiple fractures and then shot him and left him to suffer until he died
NEW YORK -- A Sloan man accused of animal cruelty for shooting his dog, has been found not guilty.
An Erie County court jury returned its verdict Monday morning in the case.
Michael Tortorici, 58, was accused of beating and then shooting an eight-year-old German Shepherd last November.
Tortorici told police he shot the dog because it attacked him.
Officials with the SPCA confirmed through a necropsy that the dog was severely beaten over the head, suffering multiple fractures including one to the eye socket.
Jeff Eyre, Special Agent in Charge of Investigations for the SPCA said the gunshot wound was not immediately fatal, indicating that Max had suffered severely before he died.
(WGRZ-TV-Sep 15, 2014)
Earlier:
An Erie County court jury returned its verdict Monday morning in the case.
Michael Tortorici, 58, was accused of beating and then shooting an eight-year-old German Shepherd last November.
Tortorici told police he shot the dog because it attacked him.
 |
| Slimeball attorneys who convinced a stupid NY jury that this guy was justified in beating the dog, causing multiple fractures including one to the eye socket and then going and getting a gun and coming back and shooting the dog and then leaving the dog - STILL ALIVE - to suffer until it finally died. Don't worry, the man upstairs is keeping track of what they do on Earth. |
Officials with the SPCA confirmed through a necropsy that the dog was severely beaten over the head, suffering multiple fractures including one to the eye socket.
Jeff Eyre, Special Agent in Charge of Investigations for the SPCA said the gunshot wound was not immediately fatal, indicating that Max had suffered severely before he died.
(WGRZ-TV-Sep 15, 2014)
Earlier:
- Monster beat family pet, then killed it with shotgun
- Man accused of felony animal abuse pleads not guilty
Despite admitting dogs he shot weren't aggressive, cruelty charges will be dismissed
TENNESSEE -- A Sumner County man has agreed to pay court fees, restitution, and make donations in exchange for charges eventually being dropped against him for shooting his neighbor’s dogs, killing one of them.
During a court hearing Friday in Gallatin, Paul Corley also made a public apology to the victims as part of the agreement.
Corley, of Hendersonville, was accused of shooting two of the Stubbs family’s dogs in May when they wandered onto his Inlet Drive property after a landscaper mistakenly let them out of a fenced-in yard.
The family’s dog Cooper was killed and another, named Blakely, was wounded. Corley reportedly called the family, who came and found their wounded pets.
Corley had been charged with two counts of animal cruelty, but prosecution against him for those charges has been placed into "retirement status for one year" as part of the agreement entered into Friday.
The agreement also states that he can petition a judge to dismiss the charges next year if he complies with all the conditions set forth in the agreement, including paying all litigation taxes and court costs, any court ordered fines, fees and agreed contributions
Corley also had to pay full resititution to the victims in the full amount of $2,567 for the death of Cooper and injuries to Blakely, as well as for the purchase of a new full blooded Beagle.
He also agreed to make $100 contributions to two Sumber County animal nonprofits: Sumner Spay and Neuter Alliance and Humane Society of Sumner County
During a brief appearance last month, the 70-year-old admitted that neither dog had been aggressive towards him when he shot at them.
(JRN.com - Sept 12, 2014)
Earlier:
During a court hearing Friday in Gallatin, Paul Corley also made a public apology to the victims as part of the agreement.
Corley, of Hendersonville, was accused of shooting two of the Stubbs family’s dogs in May when they wandered onto his Inlet Drive property after a landscaper mistakenly let them out of a fenced-in yard.
The family’s dog Cooper was killed and another, named Blakely, was wounded. Corley reportedly called the family, who came and found their wounded pets.
Corley had been charged with two counts of animal cruelty, but prosecution against him for those charges has been placed into "retirement status for one year" as part of the agreement entered into Friday.
The agreement also states that he can petition a judge to dismiss the charges next year if he complies with all the conditions set forth in the agreement, including paying all litigation taxes and court costs, any court ordered fines, fees and agreed contributions
Corley also had to pay full resititution to the victims in the full amount of $2,567 for the death of Cooper and injuries to Blakely, as well as for the purchase of a new full blooded Beagle.
He also agreed to make $100 contributions to two Sumber County animal nonprofits: Sumner Spay and Neuter Alliance and Humane Society of Sumner County
During a brief appearance last month, the 70-year-old admitted that neither dog had been aggressive towards him when he shot at them.
(JRN.com - Sept 12, 2014)
Earlier:
Puppy recovering after being found abandoned and emaciated
FLORIDA -- An English Bulldog puppy found sick, abandoned and on the side of the road is now getting some much-needed care from some South Florida veterinarians.
Princess, a 15-month-old English Bulldog, is now being nursed to health after she was found passed out on the side of the road Tuesday in Opa-locka. "We got a call on Tuesday morning that there was a bulldog in the middle of the road laying their unconscious," said Erica Rodriguez, President of Adopt-A-Bull-Rescue.
Pictures show the horrific state Princess was in when she was rescued on the side of Northwest 42nd Avenue -- malnourished, unable to walk and with a bad case of mange.
The bulldog's life would turn around after a Good Samaritan stepped in and reached out to Adopt-A-Bull-Rescue to save her life. "They're treating her and trying to get her ready for adoption," said Rodriguez.
Working off donations and volunteer work, the rescue organization put Princess in the care of Coco Park Animal Hospital for treatment.
When the bulldog first arrived, Vet Tech Jay Davis could immediately notice what was wrong. "Very lethargic, very weak, could not even walk across the floor," he said.
Two days after being in the care of Davis and Coco Park, the Bulldog has improved dramatically. She came in weighing 18 pounds, but she is already 20 pounds and continuing on her way to a target weight of 45 pounds. "She's already gained two pounds since she's been here," said Davis. "She gets really excited when she hears her food coming, her little nub wags."
A microchip traced Princess back to a puppy store in Doral. Rodriguez, along with others, are trying to find her owner for explanations. "We're doing our own investigation here within Adopt-A-Bull-Rescue but have also reached out to the county in Miami-Dade Animal Services to try to get a field officer on the ground to help us find the person responsible for doing this to her," she said.
After treatment and recovery, Princess is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for a new and loving home.
(WSVN - Sept 15, 2014)
Princess, a 15-month-old English Bulldog, is now being nursed to health after she was found passed out on the side of the road Tuesday in Opa-locka. "We got a call on Tuesday morning that there was a bulldog in the middle of the road laying their unconscious," said Erica Rodriguez, President of Adopt-A-Bull-Rescue.
Pictures show the horrific state Princess was in when she was rescued on the side of Northwest 42nd Avenue -- malnourished, unable to walk and with a bad case of mange.
The bulldog's life would turn around after a Good Samaritan stepped in and reached out to Adopt-A-Bull-Rescue to save her life. "They're treating her and trying to get her ready for adoption," said Rodriguez.
Working off donations and volunteer work, the rescue organization put Princess in the care of Coco Park Animal Hospital for treatment.
When the bulldog first arrived, Vet Tech Jay Davis could immediately notice what was wrong. "Very lethargic, very weak, could not even walk across the floor," he said.
Two days after being in the care of Davis and Coco Park, the Bulldog has improved dramatically. She came in weighing 18 pounds, but she is already 20 pounds and continuing on her way to a target weight of 45 pounds. "She's already gained two pounds since she's been here," said Davis. "She gets really excited when she hears her food coming, her little nub wags."
A microchip traced Princess back to a puppy store in Doral. Rodriguez, along with others, are trying to find her owner for explanations. "We're doing our own investigation here within Adopt-A-Bull-Rescue but have also reached out to the county in Miami-Dade Animal Services to try to get a field officer on the ground to help us find the person responsible for doing this to her," she said.
After treatment and recovery, Princess is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for a new and loving home.
(WSVN - Sept 15, 2014)
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Series of heartless acts mean one kitten's face must be stitched back together after being thrown from car while another pair face going blind
UNITED KINGDOM -- Two vets 150 miles apart told of shocking animal abuse cases today which saw one kitten hurled from a car window and two more abandoned in a bush.
Ten-week-old Hammond had to have his face stitched together and smashed teeth removed after being thrown from a vehicle near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
And in South Shields, South Tyneside, Raymond and Wonder may never see again after being abandoned and developing a severe eye infection.
The haunting cases, both revealed today, prompted fresh warnings to animal owners never to abandon their pets - and even to burden charities and kennels with them instead.
The two cases were also revealed today alongside that of Matt the Cat, a moggy so neglected he had to be completely shaved and have his rotting teeth removed in Kilburn High Road, north London.
In the first case, vets have revealed photos of ten-week-old kitten Hammond after he had to have his face stitched together.
The black cat suffered deep cuts to his nose and shattered teeth after being thrown from the window of a moving car on the A46 last week near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
He underwent painstaking surgery to remove all his broken teeth, including two canines that had been pushed into his jaw.
It is thought the people in the car he was thrown from had hoped the vehicle behind would run him over.
Instead the driver collected Hammond from the roadside before taking him to the rescue centre, covered in blood.
Laura Morrell, assistant manager at the Ark Animal Rescue Centre in North Somercotes,
Lincolnshire, said: 'His face was in a really bad way. His nose was hardly recognisable and many of his teeth had been shattered upon impact with the road.
'He’s a very lucky boy though. If the car behind had not swerved he would have gone straight under their wheels. Thankfully he has recovered well from both operations. It’s nice to know that, in a world where such devastating animal cruelty exists, there are still so many animal lovers out there.'
Hammond's plight was so desperate that he has already been adopted - but the rescue centre still needs more information to bring a prosecution against his attackers.
In the second case, meanwhile, three-month-olds Raymond and Wonder may have to have their eyes removed after being abandoned by the seafront in South Shields, South Tyneside.
The kitten siblings were discovered cowering in a bush by dog walkers and are now looking for a new home, despite having severe eye infections.
Suzanne Hickmott, who works at Pets 4 Vets in South Shields, South Tyneside, said: 'The kittens are now being taken care of and are being given eye drops daily. They are eating and drinking and doing quite well.
'They are beautiful little things. Wonder is likely to lose both eyes, and Raymond will lose one, but they are both affectionate, lovely and friendly animals. It has been very distressing for both of these animals, and now we are concentrating on getting the cats ready for the operation and then finding them a new home.'
She added: 'We are hoping that it will be a happy ending for these two now, but if they hadn’t have been found they could easily have died. There is never any reason to just dump an animal, as people who can’t cope can always call the RSPCA or other charities who offer shelter for cats.'
(Daily Mail - Sept 16, 2014)
Ten-week-old Hammond had to have his face stitched together and smashed teeth removed after being thrown from a vehicle near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
And in South Shields, South Tyneside, Raymond and Wonder may never see again after being abandoned and developing a severe eye infection.
The haunting cases, both revealed today, prompted fresh warnings to animal owners never to abandon their pets - and even to burden charities and kennels with them instead.
The two cases were also revealed today alongside that of Matt the Cat, a moggy so neglected he had to be completely shaved and have his rotting teeth removed in Kilburn High Road, north London.
In the first case, vets have revealed photos of ten-week-old kitten Hammond after he had to have his face stitched together.
The black cat suffered deep cuts to his nose and shattered teeth after being thrown from the window of a moving car on the A46 last week near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
He underwent painstaking surgery to remove all his broken teeth, including two canines that had been pushed into his jaw.
It is thought the people in the car he was thrown from had hoped the vehicle behind would run him over.
Instead the driver collected Hammond from the roadside before taking him to the rescue centre, covered in blood.
Laura Morrell, assistant manager at the Ark Animal Rescue Centre in North Somercotes,
Lincolnshire, said: 'His face was in a really bad way. His nose was hardly recognisable and many of his teeth had been shattered upon impact with the road.
'He’s a very lucky boy though. If the car behind had not swerved he would have gone straight under their wheels. Thankfully he has recovered well from both operations. It’s nice to know that, in a world where such devastating animal cruelty exists, there are still so many animal lovers out there.'
Hammond's plight was so desperate that he has already been adopted - but the rescue centre still needs more information to bring a prosecution against his attackers.
In the second case, meanwhile, three-month-olds Raymond and Wonder may have to have their eyes removed after being abandoned by the seafront in South Shields, South Tyneside.
The kitten siblings were discovered cowering in a bush by dog walkers and are now looking for a new home, despite having severe eye infections.
Suzanne Hickmott, who works at Pets 4 Vets in South Shields, South Tyneside, said: 'The kittens are now being taken care of and are being given eye drops daily. They are eating and drinking and doing quite well.
'They are beautiful little things. Wonder is likely to lose both eyes, and Raymond will lose one, but they are both affectionate, lovely and friendly animals. It has been very distressing for both of these animals, and now we are concentrating on getting the cats ready for the operation and then finding them a new home.'
She added: 'We are hoping that it will be a happy ending for these two now, but if they hadn’t have been found they could easily have died. There is never any reason to just dump an animal, as people who can’t cope can always call the RSPCA or other charities who offer shelter for cats.'
(Daily Mail - Sept 16, 2014)
Illinois: Sharon Cargile, 59, and veterinarian Amardeep Sangha, 54, charged after dead and sick dogs found at Dolton Animal Hospital
ILLINOIS -- Two people have been charged with animal cruelty after four dead dogs and nine other sick animals were found at an animal hospital in south suburban Dolton.
"The stench was overwhelming. The sights were overwhelming. This was bad," said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
Sharon Cargile, 59, of Chicago, and veterinarian Amardeep Sangha, 54, of Naperville, are charged with five counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of violations of owner's duties, all misdemeanors, a sheriff's spokeswoman said.
In all, deputies found four dead dogs and nine other sick animals at the facility, including eight dogs and a cat, the Southtown Star is reporting.
“The vet came in with an attorney, and he did not speak to us. The manager basically said things got away from her,” Dart said during a news conference outside the Animal Welfare League shelter in Chicago Ridge.
A Dolton police officer made a grisly discovery Sunday when dropping off a stray dog at the animal hospital, the sheriff said.
“He contacted our office, ... and we found four dead dogs (in cages). We found another dead dog in a plastic bag, and ... a handful of live dogs that were taken here (animal shelter),” Dart said, adding that the conditions at the hospital were “well beyond anybody that was just being neglectful.”
Dart said he will propose that the county board “do some licensing in this area going forward for individuals that wish to take municipalities' stray dogs. They'd have to agree to have their facility inspected by a county inspector once a year.”
Linda Estrada, executive director of the Animal Welfare League, said most of the dogs are severely anemic, and the shelter plans to “build them up and care for them,” eventually putting them up for adoption. She said a nursing dog underwent emergency surgery Tuesday that removed her breasts, which had ruptured.
“That's because her puppies had been taken too soon from her, and her body was still producing milk,” Estrada said.
A veterinarian at the shelter, Mark Kahn, said another dog is being treated to try to save a severely infected hind leg that resulted from the dog lying in its feces and urine. Another pit bull had gaping open wounds on its body.
"We were able to successfully perform her operation. She's getting fluids and IV's and pain medicines. And I've got a good feeling she's gonna heal up just fine," staff veterinarian Dr. Mark Hahn said.
Dart added, "Things had more than gotten away. The condition of the place and the animals was very serious."
The six dogs that were brought outside for the news conference were wagging their tails but looked thin.
“You can tell from looking at the dogs, most are malnourished,” Dart said. “I don't understand the dynamics here. ... We had four dogs in cages that were dead. A kitten that later died. The other dogs were in very bad condition. ... This is an area that cries out for more inspection to make sure this doesn't happen again.”
He said a preliminary investigation has not found “any financial issues” at the hospital.
“The whole thing is very puzzling,” Dart said. “We have not had cases like this. The stench was overwhelming. The sights were overwhelming.”
Most of the dogs were strays, but a chip was found on one dog and Estrada has been trying to reach the owner.
As he spoke, Dart cradled a black Labrador mix puppy. The two seemed to take a liking to one another.
“This dog is so beautiful. I'd like to (bring it home). I have to make a phone call first. We have a dog at home and have been talking about getting a second dog,” said Dart, the father of five children under 13.
Estrada said that when the dogs were brought to the shelter Sunday night, “what broke my heart, they all came in wagging their tails. This is what people did to them, and they still loved us. It's like they were so happy to be somewhere, like they knew they were safe.”
Cargile and Sangha are scheduled to appear at a hearing at the Markham Courthouse on Nov. 19, officials said.
(MyFoxBoston - Sep 23, 2014)
"The stench was overwhelming. The sights were overwhelming. This was bad," said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
Sharon Cargile, 59, of Chicago, and veterinarian Amardeep Sangha, 54, of Naperville, are charged with five counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of violations of owner's duties, all misdemeanors, a sheriff's spokeswoman said.
In all, deputies found four dead dogs and nine other sick animals at the facility, including eight dogs and a cat, the Southtown Star is reporting.
“The vet came in with an attorney, and he did not speak to us. The manager basically said things got away from her,” Dart said during a news conference outside the Animal Welfare League shelter in Chicago Ridge.
A Dolton police officer made a grisly discovery Sunday when dropping off a stray dog at the animal hospital, the sheriff said.
“He contacted our office, ... and we found four dead dogs (in cages). We found another dead dog in a plastic bag, and ... a handful of live dogs that were taken here (animal shelter),” Dart said, adding that the conditions at the hospital were “well beyond anybody that was just being neglectful.”
Dart said he will propose that the county board “do some licensing in this area going forward for individuals that wish to take municipalities' stray dogs. They'd have to agree to have their facility inspected by a county inspector once a year.”
Linda Estrada, executive director of the Animal Welfare League, said most of the dogs are severely anemic, and the shelter plans to “build them up and care for them,” eventually putting them up for adoption. She said a nursing dog underwent emergency surgery Tuesday that removed her breasts, which had ruptured.
“That's because her puppies had been taken too soon from her, and her body was still producing milk,” Estrada said.
A veterinarian at the shelter, Mark Kahn, said another dog is being treated to try to save a severely infected hind leg that resulted from the dog lying in its feces and urine. Another pit bull had gaping open wounds on its body.
"We were able to successfully perform her operation. She's getting fluids and IV's and pain medicines. And I've got a good feeling she's gonna heal up just fine," staff veterinarian Dr. Mark Hahn said.
Dart added, "Things had more than gotten away. The condition of the place and the animals was very serious."
The six dogs that were brought outside for the news conference were wagging their tails but looked thin.
“You can tell from looking at the dogs, most are malnourished,” Dart said. “I don't understand the dynamics here. ... We had four dogs in cages that were dead. A kitten that later died. The other dogs were in very bad condition. ... This is an area that cries out for more inspection to make sure this doesn't happen again.”
He said a preliminary investigation has not found “any financial issues” at the hospital.
“The whole thing is very puzzling,” Dart said. “We have not had cases like this. The stench was overwhelming. The sights were overwhelming.”
Most of the dogs were strays, but a chip was found on one dog and Estrada has been trying to reach the owner.
As he spoke, Dart cradled a black Labrador mix puppy. The two seemed to take a liking to one another.
“This dog is so beautiful. I'd like to (bring it home). I have to make a phone call first. We have a dog at home and have been talking about getting a second dog,” said Dart, the father of five children under 13.
Estrada said that when the dogs were brought to the shelter Sunday night, “what broke my heart, they all came in wagging their tails. This is what people did to them, and they still loved us. It's like they were so happy to be somewhere, like they knew they were safe.”
Cargile and Sangha are scheduled to appear at a hearing at the Markham Courthouse on Nov. 19, officials said.
(MyFoxBoston - Sep 23, 2014)
Friday, October 10, 2014
Charlotte the puppy remains under close observation of the ASPCA
NEW YORK -- Charlotte the puppy, who was allegedly abused by her owner, Alsu Ivanchenko, remains under the close watch of the ASPCA Thursday.
"At this time Charlotte continues to be under close observation of veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Hospital where she is receiving care," the ASPCA said in a statement to the Advance. "There are no further updates to her condition to provide at this time. We appreciate the outpouring of concern for her, but this remains an active case with the Staten Island District Attorney, and we cannot say more at this time."
The 3-month-old Maltese-Shih Tzu mix has a fractured skull, a fractured femur and brain trauma resulting from blunt force impact because of her ordeal, doctors have determined.
According to allegations in court documents, Ms. Ivanchenko told cops she couldn't afford medical treatment for the dog, whom she named Snowflake, so she dumped her into a garbage bag and threw the injured animal from her car onto the side of the road in Bay Terrace on Sept. 12.
She is scheduled to return to court Nov. 5.
The dog was re-named Charlotte by the animal activists who initially cared for her after she was discovered.
(SILive.com - Sept 25, 2014)
"At this time Charlotte continues to be under close observation of veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Hospital where she is receiving care," the ASPCA said in a statement to the Advance. "There are no further updates to her condition to provide at this time. We appreciate the outpouring of concern for her, but this remains an active case with the Staten Island District Attorney, and we cannot say more at this time."
The 3-month-old Maltese-Shih Tzu mix has a fractured skull, a fractured femur and brain trauma resulting from blunt force impact because of her ordeal, doctors have determined.
According to allegations in court documents, Ms. Ivanchenko told cops she couldn't afford medical treatment for the dog, whom she named Snowflake, so she dumped her into a garbage bag and threw the injured animal from her car onto the side of the road in Bay Terrace on Sept. 12.
She is scheduled to return to court Nov. 5.
The dog was re-named Charlotte by the animal activists who initially cared for her after she was discovered.
(SILive.com - Sept 25, 2014)
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Youth llama project introduces unusual animal
WISCONSIN -- It is shortly after 5 p.m., and the 12 llamas of the Blanchard household are huddled near the pole barn waiting to be fed.
It's dinner time, and they know it.
The dozen llamas make up a large portion of the Wood County Youth Llama Project, an organization that works with Wood County 4-H clubs and FFA members to teach students about llamas and animal care.
The Blanchard family initially got involved with llamas when Clay Blanchard, now 20, became interested in them through a friend. While showing his llama at the fair, the family was approached by someone asking why Wood County didn't have a youth llama project, which they didn't know was an option.
"We got started back in 2008, and the reason we did it was because Clay got into llamas through a friend," said Lisa Blanchard, who along with her husband, Duane, run the youth llama project from February through October each year. "We were approached by our judge that year to get a llama project going because there is more to llamas than just showing. You have the obstacle course, costume contest and all that stuff."
With the inaugural class involving a total of eight students, the program slowly has increased to 20 this past summer.
The program is open to 4-H and FFA members, and those who participate don't have to own their own llamas. Much like how horseless horse works for 4-H clubs, the project teams up with Floyd Zopfi of Stratford to make sure each student is paired with a llama.
"It's llamaless llama," Duane joked.
Participants start meeting about once a month in February, learning the history of llamas and developing an understanding of their anatomy and behavior. Around June, they start meeting once a week and will move out into the field where they'll start working personally with llamas, learning how to harness and handle them.
"The biggest challenge is matching the right animal to the right student," Duane said. "The young llamas are really small and cute, so all the young little kids want them, but they're harder to work with because they're untrained."
Now that Clay has graduated from the program, which is open to third-graders and older, the Blanchards say they'll continue to run the project in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Wood County Extension Office.
"We do it because we like it, and we are able to give that unique opportunity to the kids," Lisa said. "How many people can say they showed a llama at the fair? You can show cows, you can show pigs, and your lambs and sheep, but we're unique in that way."
(Marshfield News herald - September 28, 2014)
It's dinner time, and they know it.
The dozen llamas make up a large portion of the Wood County Youth Llama Project, an organization that works with Wood County 4-H clubs and FFA members to teach students about llamas and animal care.
The Blanchard family initially got involved with llamas when Clay Blanchard, now 20, became interested in them through a friend. While showing his llama at the fair, the family was approached by someone asking why Wood County didn't have a youth llama project, which they didn't know was an option.
"We got started back in 2008, and the reason we did it was because Clay got into llamas through a friend," said Lisa Blanchard, who along with her husband, Duane, run the youth llama project from February through October each year. "We were approached by our judge that year to get a llama project going because there is more to llamas than just showing. You have the obstacle course, costume contest and all that stuff."
With the inaugural class involving a total of eight students, the program slowly has increased to 20 this past summer.
The program is open to 4-H and FFA members, and those who participate don't have to own their own llamas. Much like how horseless horse works for 4-H clubs, the project teams up with Floyd Zopfi of Stratford to make sure each student is paired with a llama.
"It's llamaless llama," Duane joked.
Participants start meeting about once a month in February, learning the history of llamas and developing an understanding of their anatomy and behavior. Around June, they start meeting once a week and will move out into the field where they'll start working personally with llamas, learning how to harness and handle them.
"The biggest challenge is matching the right animal to the right student," Duane said. "The young llamas are really small and cute, so all the young little kids want them, but they're harder to work with because they're untrained."
Now that Clay has graduated from the program, which is open to third-graders and older, the Blanchards say they'll continue to run the project in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Wood County Extension Office.
"We do it because we like it, and we are able to give that unique opportunity to the kids," Lisa said. "How many people can say they showed a llama at the fair? You can show cows, you can show pigs, and your lambs and sheep, but we're unique in that way."
(Marshfield News herald - September 28, 2014)
After escorting owners to vet clinic and finding that their pet has died, officer issues speeding ticket
CANADA -- A Quebec couple issued a $258 speeding ticket over the weekend intend to contest the ticket because they were rushing their dying chihuahua to the veterinarian.
Const. Franco Di Genova of Laval police said the couple were pulled over on the Highway 440 service road near Curé-Labelle Boulevard at around 10:25 a.m. local time Saturday for driving 107 km/h in a 70 km/h zone.
Francine Monette says she was performing mouth to mouth resuscitation on her unconscious dog, named Mister Albert.
"I was crying and said to him, 'Please, sir, please — we have to get to the clinic. He's dying, my dog is dying,'" Monette told CBC News.
The officer escorted the couple to the vet, where Monette went inside with the dog while her husband stayed outside with the officer.
Mister Albert was treated at the Centre Vétérinaire Laval, where he died.
Monette's husband received a $258 ticket and was docked three demerit points.
"There was no compassion, no hesitation, no nothing. [The officer] was like ice," Monette said. "He could have given us a warning."
She said it's not the price of the ticket but the principle of the matter that is motivating her decision to fight the fine and file a police ethics complaint.
"[Mister Albert] was like our baby, our infant," Monette said.
Di Genova said he understands the couple's love for their pet, but laws have to be respected.
“I own a dog also, but where do we draw the line?” Di Genova said.
(CBC - Sept 19, 2014)
Const. Franco Di Genova of Laval police said the couple were pulled over on the Highway 440 service road near Curé-Labelle Boulevard at around 10:25 a.m. local time Saturday for driving 107 km/h in a 70 km/h zone.
Francine Monette says she was performing mouth to mouth resuscitation on her unconscious dog, named Mister Albert.
"I was crying and said to him, 'Please, sir, please — we have to get to the clinic. He's dying, my dog is dying,'" Monette told CBC News.
The officer escorted the couple to the vet, where Monette went inside with the dog while her husband stayed outside with the officer.
Mister Albert was treated at the Centre Vétérinaire Laval, where he died.
Monette's husband received a $258 ticket and was docked three demerit points.
"There was no compassion, no hesitation, no nothing. [The officer] was like ice," Monette said. "He could have given us a warning."
She said it's not the price of the ticket but the principle of the matter that is motivating her decision to fight the fine and file a police ethics complaint.
"[Mister Albert] was like our baby, our infant," Monette said.
Di Genova said he understands the couple's love for their pet, but laws have to be respected.
“I own a dog also, but where do we draw the line?” Di Genova said.
(CBC - Sept 19, 2014)
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Prattville animal cruelty case delayed
ALABAMA -- A straightforward animal cruelty appeal case in Autauga Circuit Court has become anything but with the introduction of a trans-Pacific element.
Rob Riddle, Prattville's prosecutor, wants to get a statement into evidence from the dead cat's owner, who now lives in Japan. So Circuit Judge Sibley Reynolds has continued the case, which was set to begin Monday. No new trial date has been set, courthouse records show.
The owner is a member of a military family that has been reassigned to Japan, Riddle said.
"I feel we need a statement from the cat's owner at trial, either through a video taped deposition where the defense can cross examine, or having the lady testify in person," Riddle said. "I have spoken with her and she said if we give her enough advance notice, she could travel to Prattville to testify during the trial."
The city would not pay for the trip, he said.
Nathan R. Barber, of Cross Creek Road, admits to shooting and killing the cat, described in Prattville Municipal Court records as an "orange and black calico."
He was convicted in municipal court of cruelty to a dog or cat on April 16, city court records show. He has appealed the case to circuit court and is seeking a jury trial.
His attorney, Brad Hawley, did not return emails or calls to his office seeking comment for this story.
In a past interview, Hawley said Barber killed the cat after it was injured, to put it out of its suffering.
The cat had gotten into Barber's yard and was mauled by his dogs, Riddle said. He allegedly put the dogs in his house, only to release them again whenre they mauled the cat a second time, Riddle said.
It was that second mauling that constitutes the cruelty, Riddle said.
A neighbor filmed Barber shooting the cat several times with a BB gun or pellet gun, Riddle said.
"The neighbor is our primary witness," Riddle said. "In any prosecution you have expenses, but getting a statement in evidence from the cat's owner is not going to be a costly act. We will spend no more money on this case than we would any normal municipal court prosecution."
Cruelty to a dog or cat is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum on one year and a day in the county jail and a $5,000 fine.
(Montgomery Advertiser - Sept 29, 2014)
Rob Riddle, Prattville's prosecutor, wants to get a statement into evidence from the dead cat's owner, who now lives in Japan. So Circuit Judge Sibley Reynolds has continued the case, which was set to begin Monday. No new trial date has been set, courthouse records show.
The owner is a member of a military family that has been reassigned to Japan, Riddle said.
"I feel we need a statement from the cat's owner at trial, either through a video taped deposition where the defense can cross examine, or having the lady testify in person," Riddle said. "I have spoken with her and she said if we give her enough advance notice, she could travel to Prattville to testify during the trial."
The city would not pay for the trip, he said.
Nathan R. Barber, of Cross Creek Road, admits to shooting and killing the cat, described in Prattville Municipal Court records as an "orange and black calico."
He was convicted in municipal court of cruelty to a dog or cat on April 16, city court records show. He has appealed the case to circuit court and is seeking a jury trial.
His attorney, Brad Hawley, did not return emails or calls to his office seeking comment for this story.
In a past interview, Hawley said Barber killed the cat after it was injured, to put it out of its suffering.
The cat had gotten into Barber's yard and was mauled by his dogs, Riddle said. He allegedly put the dogs in his house, only to release them again whenre they mauled the cat a second time, Riddle said.
It was that second mauling that constitutes the cruelty, Riddle said.
A neighbor filmed Barber shooting the cat several times with a BB gun or pellet gun, Riddle said.
"The neighbor videotaped Barber with her cell phone, reaching over the fence with the pellet gun in his hand, and shooting the cat several times.”
"The neighbor is our primary witness," Riddle said. "In any prosecution you have expenses, but getting a statement in evidence from the cat's owner is not going to be a costly act. We will spend no more money on this case than we would any normal municipal court prosecution."
Cruelty to a dog or cat is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum on one year and a day in the county jail and a $5,000 fine.
(Montgomery Advertiser - Sept 29, 2014)
Earlier:
Professional horseman Shamus Haws charged after 10 of his horses die of thirst
UTAH -- An Erda man is facing animal-cruelty charges after prosecutors say 10 of his horses died of dehydration when their water line failed in July.
The deaths look unintentional, caused by a kink in the line that blocked the flow of water to the animals’ pasture near Magna, according to authorities.
Shamus Haws, 39, was charged Thursday with 11 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. He did not immediately return calls for comment, and no attorney was listed for him in court records.
Ten horses were found dead July 18. Another was severely dehydrated but survived.
It wasn’t immediately clear why the horses were housed at the field about 15 miles west of Salt Lake City, but Salt Lake County Prosecutor Sim Gill said Haws has a business raising horses.
The animals were typically watered from a line that ran from a nearby house to their pasture, Gill said. The animals went without water for up to five days during the hottest part of the year before they were found, he said.
Temperatures at the time were close to 100 degrees.
Gill considered filing felony charges, but he said an investigation by Unified Police and the Utah Veterinary Lab showed negligence rather than intentional harm.
“You can’t just assume when you’re taking care of live animals. You need to make sure the water was getting where it need to get,” Gill said.
The 11 misdemeanor charges carry of a possible penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 each.
(CBS Local-Sep 26, 2014)
Earlier:
The deaths look unintentional, caused by a kink in the line that blocked the flow of water to the animals’ pasture near Magna, according to authorities.
Shamus Haws, 39, was charged Thursday with 11 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. He did not immediately return calls for comment, and no attorney was listed for him in court records.
Ten horses were found dead July 18. Another was severely dehydrated but survived.
It wasn’t immediately clear why the horses were housed at the field about 15 miles west of Salt Lake City, but Salt Lake County Prosecutor Sim Gill said Haws has a business raising horses.
The animals were typically watered from a line that ran from a nearby house to their pasture, Gill said. The animals went without water for up to five days during the hottest part of the year before they were found, he said.
Temperatures at the time were close to 100 degrees.
Gill considered filing felony charges, but he said an investigation by Unified Police and the Utah Veterinary Lab showed negligence rather than intentional harm.
“You can’t just assume when you’re taking care of live animals. You need to make sure the water was getting where it need to get,” Gill said.
The 11 misdemeanor charges carry of a possible penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 each.
(CBS Local-Sep 26, 2014)
Earlier:
Monday, October 6, 2014
North Dakota: William Kiefer, who starved more than 100 HORSES and repeatedly violated his probation, is finally sent to jail
NORTH DAKOTA -- On Wednesday, William Kiefer ran out of second chances.
The 64-year-old Fargo man, who in January had pleaded guilty to nine counts of animal cruelty, in both Burleigh and Morton county cases, was sentenced to one year at the Morton County Correctional Center after he pleaded guilty to violating his probation in both cases.
Kiefer’s charges stemmed from the deaths of more than 100 horses in his care during the winter of 2012 and early 2013.
The horses died of malnourishment and exposure and were found in piles on Kiefer’s Morton County property.
More malnourished horses were discovered on Kiefer’s Burleigh County property.
South Central District Court Judge Thomas Schneider noted that the state gave Kiefer every chance to pay his penance without jail time, having received “what I would consider a very light sentence the first time around.”
Kiefer had been picked up in August after authorities learned that he had purchased a horse from a woman in Wyoming, despite a court order prohibiting him from owning livestock for the duration of his probation.
Morton County Assistant State’s Attorney Gabrielle Goter and Burleigh County Assistant State’s Attorney Justin Schwarz both asked Schneider on Wednesday to impose jail time on Kiefer for the violation.
VIOLATION OF PROBATION TERMS
Goter said the state had tried placing Kiefer on electronic monitoring and probation. “We’ve already been there. We’ve already done that. It has not been sufficient,” Goter said. “We’ve been here. We’re less than a year after sentencing. We’re already back.”
Goter said Kiefer was a poor candidate for probation because he had demonstrated a lack of regard for the rules of his probation, including having contact with livestock, even after the probation revocation charges had been filed.
“My concern is, we haven’t taught Mr. Kiefer anything. He pays his money and he doesn’t have to sit any time,” she said.
Goter went on to say, “Mr. Kiefer does whatever Mr. Kiefer wants to do.”
Goter requested, and Schwarz seconded, that Schneider hand Kiefer a one-year sentence, with credit for the six months Kiefer already served on electronic monitoring as well as the week Kiefer spent in jail after being arrested for violating probation.
In addition, Goter asked Schneider to make the two six-month sentences — one each for the Burleigh and Morton county cases — be made consecutive, meaning Kiefer would be required to serve a year.
Goter said the cases involved “separate counties. Separate charges. Separate animals that we’re dealing with.”
Schwarz told the judge he was not “specifically” asking for a consecutive sentence, but that he concurred with Goter’s argument.
Kiefer’s attorney, Scott Hager of Bismarck, told Schneider that his client had taken responsibility for his actions. He added that Kiefer’s violations were a result of his struggling with changing a fundamental part of his life.
“Mr. Kiefer is 64 years old. Throughout the course of his life, horses have always — horses and animals and livestock — have always been a part of his life,” Hager said, adding that it was “difficult to stop that part of your life.”
Hager said Kiefer acknowledged that he made a mistake and would accept electronic monitoring, fines or further probation. Hager said Kiefer was opposed to jail time, though.
“To at this point say six months on the Morton County (charges), and another six months on the Burleigh County charges, Mr. Kiefer certainly thinks that that is excessive,” Hager said.
Kiefer also addressed the judge.
“I’ve been on the positive side of society for 99 percent of my life,” Kiefer said. “I admit, mistakes were made. And I guess all I can say is my dad always told me, ‘If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember what you said.’”
Kiefer seconded his attorney’s request.
“I would appreciate the opportunity to continue contributing to society without having to spend time in jail. Whatever other restrictions were placed by the court would be acceptable,” he said.
When Schneider gave Goter the chance to respond to Kiefer, the assistant state’s attorney challenged Kiefer’s statement.
“In the Morton County case, there were over 100 animals that died. That’s not ‘mistakes were made,’ that’s significant,” Goter said. “The dishonesty is there. The same pattern of behavior is there.”
Schneider agreed.
“This was a very significant case. We’re talking about more than 100 animals dying,” the judge said. “And here we are back in court. Mr. Kiefer didn’t comply with the requirement of no animals.”
Schneider accepted Goter’s recommendation of one year in jail, adding that Kiefer would begin that sentence immediately.
After the hearing, Kiefer was taken into custody at the Burleigh County Courthouse, with the intent of transferring him to Morton County Correctional Center to begin his sentence.
Hager did not immediately return calls from the Tribune for comment.
(Farm and Ranch Guide-Sep 26, 2014)
The 64-year-old Fargo man, who in January had pleaded guilty to nine counts of animal cruelty, in both Burleigh and Morton county cases, was sentenced to one year at the Morton County Correctional Center after he pleaded guilty to violating his probation in both cases.
Kiefer’s charges stemmed from the deaths of more than 100 horses in his care during the winter of 2012 and early 2013.
The horses died of malnourishment and exposure and were found in piles on Kiefer’s Morton County property.
More malnourished horses were discovered on Kiefer’s Burleigh County property.
South Central District Court Judge Thomas Schneider noted that the state gave Kiefer every chance to pay his penance without jail time, having received “what I would consider a very light sentence the first time around.”
Kiefer had been picked up in August after authorities learned that he had purchased a horse from a woman in Wyoming, despite a court order prohibiting him from owning livestock for the duration of his probation.
Morton County Assistant State’s Attorney Gabrielle Goter and Burleigh County Assistant State’s Attorney Justin Schwarz both asked Schneider on Wednesday to impose jail time on Kiefer for the violation.
VIOLATION OF PROBATION TERMS
Goter said the state had tried placing Kiefer on electronic monitoring and probation. “We’ve already been there. We’ve already done that. It has not been sufficient,” Goter said. “We’ve been here. We’re less than a year after sentencing. We’re already back.”
Goter said Kiefer was a poor candidate for probation because he had demonstrated a lack of regard for the rules of his probation, including having contact with livestock, even after the probation revocation charges had been filed.
“My concern is, we haven’t taught Mr. Kiefer anything. He pays his money and he doesn’t have to sit any time,” she said.
Goter went on to say, “Mr. Kiefer does whatever Mr. Kiefer wants to do.”
Goter requested, and Schwarz seconded, that Schneider hand Kiefer a one-year sentence, with credit for the six months Kiefer already served on electronic monitoring as well as the week Kiefer spent in jail after being arrested for violating probation.
In addition, Goter asked Schneider to make the two six-month sentences — one each for the Burleigh and Morton county cases — be made consecutive, meaning Kiefer would be required to serve a year.
Goter said the cases involved “separate counties. Separate charges. Separate animals that we’re dealing with.”
Schwarz told the judge he was not “specifically” asking for a consecutive sentence, but that he concurred with Goter’s argument.
Kiefer’s attorney, Scott Hager of Bismarck, told Schneider that his client had taken responsibility for his actions. He added that Kiefer’s violations were a result of his struggling with changing a fundamental part of his life.
“Mr. Kiefer is 64 years old. Throughout the course of his life, horses have always — horses and animals and livestock — have always been a part of his life,” Hager said, adding that it was “difficult to stop that part of your life.”
Hager said Kiefer acknowledged that he made a mistake and would accept electronic monitoring, fines or further probation. Hager said Kiefer was opposed to jail time, though.
“To at this point say six months on the Morton County (charges), and another six months on the Burleigh County charges, Mr. Kiefer certainly thinks that that is excessive,” Hager said.
Kiefer also addressed the judge.
“I’ve been on the positive side of society for 99 percent of my life,” Kiefer said. “I admit, mistakes were made. And I guess all I can say is my dad always told me, ‘If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember what you said.’”
Kiefer seconded his attorney’s request.
“I would appreciate the opportunity to continue contributing to society without having to spend time in jail. Whatever other restrictions were placed by the court would be acceptable,” he said.
When Schneider gave Goter the chance to respond to Kiefer, the assistant state’s attorney challenged Kiefer’s statement.
 |
| While 100 horses starved to death, Kiefer was nice and warm inside this house |
“In the Morton County case, there were over 100 animals that died. That’s not ‘mistakes were made,’ that’s significant,” Goter said. “The dishonesty is there. The same pattern of behavior is there.”
Schneider agreed.
“This was a very significant case. We’re talking about more than 100 animals dying,” the judge said. “And here we are back in court. Mr. Kiefer didn’t comply with the requirement of no animals.”
Schneider accepted Goter’s recommendation of one year in jail, adding that Kiefer would begin that sentence immediately.
After the hearing, Kiefer was taken into custody at the Burleigh County Courthouse, with the intent of transferring him to Morton County Correctional Center to begin his sentence.
Hager did not immediately return calls from the Tribune for comment.
(Farm and Ranch Guide-Sep 26, 2014)
Friday, October 3, 2014
Haverford woman given probation for cutting off puppy's ears
PENNSYLVANIA -- A 20-year-old Haverford woman was sentenced to four years and three months of probation Thursday after pleading to animal cruelty charges for cutting the ears off of a pit bull puppy.
Kristina Murphy, of the 400 block of Glendale Road, entered open pleas before Judge James Nilon to two misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, one for each ear, and a summary count of animal cruelty for neglecting to provide veterinary care for the 8-week-old puppy.
The case made headlines in October 2013 when Murphy brought the wounded pup to the Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital in Morton claiming to have found it abandoned near 69th Street in Upper Darby.
She later admitted to Delaware County SPCA humane investigators that she (according to her) accidentally cut one of the dog’s ears off while using scissors to remove scabs and flea bites on the dog’s head, then panicked and cut the other one off.
“I wrapped his head so the bleeding would stop,” said Murphy in a statement at that time. “I said I found him so he could get medical care that I could not afford.”
The investigators later removed another 10 animals under Murphy’s care. Humane Investigator Ron Riggle told the judge Thursday that those animals were mostly well cared for and that Murphy had brought the puppy to Stoney Creek at the urging of a local animal activist.
The puppy, dubbed Van Gogh, was later adopted by Jennifer Johnson, a doctor at Stoney Creek. Johnson could not be reached Thursday, but a receptionist at the hospital said Van Gogh has since grown up happy and healthy.
Defense attorney Joseph Malley offered the court a 15-page report Thursday documenting mental health issues his client has dealt with since childhood and said she is currently taking medication used to treat depression, anxiety and other disorders.
“It’s very clear from that report that Miss Murphy would not be a good candidate to be incarcerated,” he said. “Her mental health issues ... might well result in what the doctor referred to as ‘decompensating’ and it could bring up a myriad of issues that the prison would be ill-equipped to deal with.”
Assistant District Attorney Alan Borowsky said he understood Murphy’s mental health history and that sentencing guidelines provided only restorative sanctions to one month for each of the misdemeanor charges, but said he could not get past the fact that Murphy needlessly and maliciously mutilated a companion animal.
“It takes a certain amount of depravity to be able to do that — just as much as to do that to a human, if not more, and it’s very concerning,” he said.
Borowsky said he not seen an act of barbarity that comes close to this case in his four years with the Delaware County District Attorney’s office, recommending a sentence of two to 23 months incarceration with 90 days of probation.
Nilon noted that the report documented a long history of mental health issues stemming from trauma the defendant received as a child and outlined two potentially adverse outcomes if incarcerated: That Murphy, now five months pregnant, might harm herself (and by extension, the fetus), or that she could join with the worst elements of the prison population to seek protection.
“Most of us are animal lovers,” he said. “Most of us own an animal — I have three — and the only thing an animal provides is unconditional love. Therefore, when we see an animal subjected to this kind of treatment, it’s very troubling.”
“I know what I’ve done and I’m sorry for doing it,” said Murphy. “When I did it, I wasn’t on medication. I wasn’t in treatment. I’m now in treatment and I’m doing a lot better.”
The judge ultimately decided incarceration would not be appropriate and opted for a lengthy period of probation with strict conditions that Murphy not own any animals or even have contact with animals whatsoever. He also ordered her to continue with her treatment, abide by any recommendations and continue taking medication.
“You’re very lucky, young lady, to escape a term of imprisonment,” he said. “You have psychiatric issues that need to be dealt with. You have in place a good program and as long as you follow those recommendations, then hopefully you won’t appear in front of this court again.”
The judge warned Murphy not to violate the terms of her probation, however, or she could be facing jail time.
She is a menace and will do this again.
(Delco News Network-Sep 27, 2014)
Kristina Murphy, of the 400 block of Glendale Road, entered open pleas before Judge James Nilon to two misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, one for each ear, and a summary count of animal cruelty for neglecting to provide veterinary care for the 8-week-old puppy.
The case made headlines in October 2013 when Murphy brought the wounded pup to the Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital in Morton claiming to have found it abandoned near 69th Street in Upper Darby.
She later admitted to Delaware County SPCA humane investigators that she (according to her) accidentally cut one of the dog’s ears off while using scissors to remove scabs and flea bites on the dog’s head, then panicked and cut the other one off.
“I wrapped his head so the bleeding would stop,” said Murphy in a statement at that time. “I said I found him so he could get medical care that I could not afford.”
The investigators later removed another 10 animals under Murphy’s care. Humane Investigator Ron Riggle told the judge Thursday that those animals were mostly well cared for and that Murphy had brought the puppy to Stoney Creek at the urging of a local animal activist.
The puppy, dubbed Van Gogh, was later adopted by Jennifer Johnson, a doctor at Stoney Creek. Johnson could not be reached Thursday, but a receptionist at the hospital said Van Gogh has since grown up happy and healthy.
Defense attorney Joseph Malley offered the court a 15-page report Thursday documenting mental health issues his client has dealt with since childhood and said she is currently taking medication used to treat depression, anxiety and other disorders.
“It’s very clear from that report that Miss Murphy would not be a good candidate to be incarcerated,” he said. “Her mental health issues ... might well result in what the doctor referred to as ‘decompensating’ and it could bring up a myriad of issues that the prison would be ill-equipped to deal with.”
Assistant District Attorney Alan Borowsky said he understood Murphy’s mental health history and that sentencing guidelines provided only restorative sanctions to one month for each of the misdemeanor charges, but said he could not get past the fact that Murphy needlessly and maliciously mutilated a companion animal.
“It takes a certain amount of depravity to be able to do that — just as much as to do that to a human, if not more, and it’s very concerning,” he said.
Borowsky said he not seen an act of barbarity that comes close to this case in his four years with the Delaware County District Attorney’s office, recommending a sentence of two to 23 months incarceration with 90 days of probation.
Nilon noted that the report documented a long history of mental health issues stemming from trauma the defendant received as a child and outlined two potentially adverse outcomes if incarcerated: That Murphy, now five months pregnant, might harm herself (and by extension, the fetus), or that she could join with the worst elements of the prison population to seek protection.
“Most of us are animal lovers,” he said. “Most of us own an animal — I have three — and the only thing an animal provides is unconditional love. Therefore, when we see an animal subjected to this kind of treatment, it’s very troubling.”
“I know what I’ve done and I’m sorry for doing it,” said Murphy. “When I did it, I wasn’t on medication. I wasn’t in treatment. I’m now in treatment and I’m doing a lot better.”
The judge ultimately decided incarceration would not be appropriate and opted for a lengthy period of probation with strict conditions that Murphy not own any animals or even have contact with animals whatsoever. He also ordered her to continue with her treatment, abide by any recommendations and continue taking medication.
“You’re very lucky, young lady, to escape a term of imprisonment,” he said. “You have psychiatric issues that need to be dealt with. You have in place a good program and as long as you follow those recommendations, then hopefully you won’t appear in front of this court again.”
The judge warned Murphy not to violate the terms of her probation, however, or she could be facing jail time.
She is a menace and will do this again.
(Delco News Network-Sep 27, 2014)
Man charged for attempted sex with dog
MISSOURI -- A Roach, Missouri, man has been formally charged for trying to solicit an undercover deputy to provide a dog for him to have sex with.
According to online court records, Jerald Hill was charged Tuesday with attempted unlawful sex with an animal.
According to the Boone County Sheriff's Department Cyber Crimes Task Force, Roach placed an ad on Craigslist looking for a dog for sexual acts.
The investigator and Hill exchanged several emails and the two agreed to meet at Columbia's Cosmo Park, where Hill was arrested.
(Connect Mid Missouri - Sept 3, 2014)
According to online court records, Jerald Hill was charged Tuesday with attempted unlawful sex with an animal.
 |
| Jerald Lee Hill |
According to the Boone County Sheriff's Department Cyber Crimes Task Force, Roach placed an ad on Craigslist looking for a dog for sexual acts.
The investigator and Hill exchanged several emails and the two agreed to meet at Columbia's Cosmo Park, where Hill was arrested.
(Connect Mid Missouri - Sept 3, 2014)
Earlier:
Utah County man ordered to trial for allegedly having sex with dog
UTAH -- A 65-year-old American Fork man has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly having sex with his neighbor’s dog.
Melvin Parley Pace, 65, was charged in July in 4th District Court with five counts of lewdness with prior convictions, a third-degree felony, as well as five counts of bestiality and seven counts of criminal trespass, which are class B misdemeanors.
Following a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Judge Derek Pullan ordered Pace to stand trial on all 17 counts.
Pace is to appear again in court for arraignment on Oct. 7.
This is the second time Pace has been charged with having sex with his neighbors’ Kangal, a large Turkish dog breed.
In the first case, the dog’s owners aimed a camera at the dog’s run after the gate was left open in December 2013. The footage showed Pace enter the dog run and have sex with the dog, according to American Fork police Lt. Sam Liddiard.
In that case, Pace was charged with two counts each of bestiality, lewdness and criminal trespass, all class B misdemeanors. Pace pleaded guilty in February to two counts of lewdness and the other counts were dismissed. He received a suspended jail sentence and was placed on probation for 12 months year.
This spring, the dog’s run was again left open, so the owners reactivated the camera, according to charging documents.
The footage allegedly showed Pace — who was still on probation in the first case — having sex with the dog on at least seven different occasions between May 20 and June 28, the charges add.
The dog run is in full view and hearing of two city streets, a business and neighboring homes, according to charges.
(Salt Lake Tribune - Sept 25, 2014)
Melvin Parley Pace, 65, was charged in July in 4th District Court with five counts of lewdness with prior convictions, a third-degree felony, as well as five counts of bestiality and seven counts of criminal trespass, which are class B misdemeanors.
Following a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Judge Derek Pullan ordered Pace to stand trial on all 17 counts.
Pace is to appear again in court for arraignment on Oct. 7.
This is the second time Pace has been charged with having sex with his neighbors’ Kangal, a large Turkish dog breed.
In the first case, the dog’s owners aimed a camera at the dog’s run after the gate was left open in December 2013. The footage showed Pace enter the dog run and have sex with the dog, according to American Fork police Lt. Sam Liddiard.
In that case, Pace was charged with two counts each of bestiality, lewdness and criminal trespass, all class B misdemeanors. Pace pleaded guilty in February to two counts of lewdness and the other counts were dismissed. He received a suspended jail sentence and was placed on probation for 12 months year.
This spring, the dog’s run was again left open, so the owners reactivated the camera, according to charging documents.
The footage allegedly showed Pace — who was still on probation in the first case — having sex with the dog on at least seven different occasions between May 20 and June 28, the charges add.
The dog run is in full view and hearing of two city streets, a business and neighboring homes, according to charges.
Earlier:
Owner insists his pit bull, which had just bitten a child, is "the most lovable pit bull ever"... Um, yeah
INDIANA -- A pit bull is quarantined in its Shelby County home after it bit a young boy, and a neighbor took action by shooting the dog.
The incident happened Sunday afternoon on West Franklin Street in Shelbyville.
But the dog’s owner and the man who shot the pit bull following the attack are going back and forth over how all this went down.
“I think its just everybody frowns upon pit bulls,” said Trevor Brown, the dog’s owner.
“No child needs to be mauled or bitten by an aggressive animal,” said Doug Castle who lives across the street and shot the dog.
Castle says when he returned home Sunday afternoon neighborhood youth were playing football in the field behind his house, he says one of them said they were bit by the dog named Zeus.
“No dog should go approach a child and bite him in the back of the leg just because he’s trying to play football you know,” said Castle.
“My dog is the most lovable pit bull ever,” said Brown
Castle says the dog was being aggressive, and says he pulled out his hand gun and shot it in the leg.
“I shot it twice when it lunged at me. Basically there was no stopping it, it was coming at me, it was growling, teeth showing,” said Castle.
But Brown says Zeus has never shown its teeth, and says if he did bite the teenager, he must’ve been provoked.
“I understand he might have been playing at first cause Zeus is a very playful dog and they took it too far, kicked him hit or something and then he bit. That’s what i think,” said Brown.
Animal control has one previous complaint about Zeus roaming the neighborhood on record. But Castle says Zeus has been left to roam the neighborhood on many occasions.
No one was home at the Brown’s Sunday when this bite happened. Brown says he doesn’t know how he could’ve gotten out. But while we were there we saw only palettes covering a hole in the fence.
“Its irresponsibility to have your aggressive dog wandering around the neighborhood when you’re not home,” said Castle.
“We’ve always had animals and they’re good with us and we’re good with them. i don’t understand why they’re saying that,” said Brown.
A hearing is scheduled for October 6 to determine how the city will proceed. Zeus could could either remain with the family, or the city could take ownership of him. The city could also vote to put Zeus down but that’s unlikely because that prior incident wasn’t violent in nature.
Castle says he wants the dog gone, saying he doesn’t think people should live in fear. He’s also asking city government for additional ordinances to deal with dogs once they become aggressive.
We put a call out to the city today but haven’t heard back.
(WISH - Sept 30, 2014)
The incident happened Sunday afternoon on West Franklin Street in Shelbyville.
But the dog’s owner and the man who shot the pit bull following the attack are going back and forth over how all this went down.
“I think its just everybody frowns upon pit bulls,” said Trevor Brown, the dog’s owner.
“No child needs to be mauled or bitten by an aggressive animal,” said Doug Castle who lives across the street and shot the dog.
Castle says when he returned home Sunday afternoon neighborhood youth were playing football in the field behind his house, he says one of them said they were bit by the dog named Zeus.
“No dog should go approach a child and bite him in the back of the leg just because he’s trying to play football you know,” said Castle.
“My dog is the most lovable pit bull ever,” said Brown
Castle says the dog was being aggressive, and says he pulled out his hand gun and shot it in the leg.
“I shot it twice when it lunged at me. Basically there was no stopping it, it was coming at me, it was growling, teeth showing,” said Castle.
But Brown says Zeus has never shown its teeth, and says if he did bite the teenager, he must’ve been provoked.
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| Hero: Doug Castle |
“I understand he might have been playing at first cause Zeus is a very playful dog and they took it too far, kicked him hit or something and then he bit. That’s what i think,” said Brown.
Animal control has one previous complaint about Zeus roaming the neighborhood on record. But Castle says Zeus has been left to roam the neighborhood on many occasions.
No one was home at the Brown’s Sunday when this bite happened. Brown says he doesn’t know how he could’ve gotten out. But while we were there we saw only palettes covering a hole in the fence.
“Its irresponsibility to have your aggressive dog wandering around the neighborhood when you’re not home,” said Castle.
“We’ve always had animals and they’re good with us and we’re good with them. i don’t understand why they’re saying that,” said Brown.
A hearing is scheduled for October 6 to determine how the city will proceed. Zeus could could either remain with the family, or the city could take ownership of him. The city could also vote to put Zeus down but that’s unlikely because that prior incident wasn’t violent in nature.
Castle says he wants the dog gone, saying he doesn’t think people should live in fear. He’s also asking city government for additional ordinances to deal with dogs once they become aggressive.
We put a call out to the city today but haven’t heard back.
(WISH - Sept 30, 2014)
Owner Upset After Pets Attacked by Pit Bulls - Animal Control does nothing (where have we heard that before?)
CALIFORNIA -- “She was screaming really loud.”
Wajid Nadeem is talking about his basset hound Lottie. On Friday, the two were walking on Shell Street in North Highlands when two pit bulls came running out.
“They ran across the street and then they locked eyes onto my dog. They charged towards my dog and both of the pit bulls started to attack. One was pulling at the neck and one was pulling at the leg,” Nadeem said.
Nadeem says he called 9-1-1, but he didn’t get the response he was hoping for.
“They ended up telling me that they were too busy to send a deputy out at the time and that they would send one out tomorrow. They referred me over to Animal Control. They told me it was after hours and they would send someone out tomorrow to get a report too,” Nadeem said.
But the next day no one came.
“So in the end no one really came out to see if the dogs were secured,” said Nadeem.
At the home where Nadeem saw the pit bulls come from, no one answered our knocks. But across the street, Walter Budka says his dog Tami was also attacked by the same animals.
“They busted through the door when somebody came out. They came from there to here directly to the dog on my property,” Budka said.
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| Walter Budka talks about the pit bulls attacking his little dog, Tami |
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| It doesn't say, but she kinda looks like a Patterdale Terrier |
Budka tells us the pit bulls are Aristotle and Poka, who had both lived in this home for years. But according to Budka, two weeks ago their owner passed away, and his son was temporarily taking care of the dogs while the family cleaned out the home.
That’s why Aristotle and Poka were getting out so much.
“It cost me about 200 and some dollars and he said yeah I’ll pay the bill,” said Budka.
Nadeem wants those owners to pay similar medical expenses for Lottie. But since Animal Control never responded, he has no record of the attack, no way to contact the owners responsible.
“I thought it was standard for law enforcement or Animal Control to do a standard investigation, so I can have that information and pursue a case. But now it looks like it might not even happen, because now apparently the owner has left.”
Unfortunately, there are a LOT of lazy animal control officers. For example -- They lie and don't go search for the aggressive dog running loose - they lie and tell dispatch they couldn't find the dog when they never even left the Bojangles parking lot. Or they lie and say that they left a notice at an owner's house when they're really hiding out behind a church watching Netflix on their laptop. You know who you are.
(Fox40 - Sept 28, 2014)
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