Missouri: Kimberly Anderson threw her dog off a 3rd floor balcony, breaking his bones and blinding him in both eyes. Her punishment? Probation. Oh yeah and she had been convicted of animal cruelty once before, back in 2004.

MISSOURI -- A Kansas City, MO woman who allegedly abused a small dog pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor animal abuse on Thursday.

Kimberly Anderson (aka Kimberly Bond, Kimberly Bond Anderson, Kim Bond, Kim Anderson) admits to abusing the dog widely known as "Roadrunner."

 

The small dog known as Roadrunner was allegedly abused by Anderson in Nov. 2014. 

A witness told police that Anderson wrapped a leash around Roadrunner’s neck to pull him outside, and then picked Roadrunner up and slammed the dog on concrete before choking and kicking him. 

The witness said Anderson then went back to her apartment and left the dog outside.

A separate witness said he saw Anderson throw Roadrunner off of a third-floor balcony and then went downstairs and picked the dog up by the collar. He said he saw Anderson take the dog around the building and didn’t see either of them again.

A witness said he was covered in blood and that both of his eyeballs were "hanging out".

Roadrunner had broken bones and lost both of his eyes due to the incident.

 

The dog remains alive and is being cared for by new owners. He was adopted in January 2015 by a Kansas City Pet Project staff member.

By pleading guilty, she agreed to enter Jackson County Mental Health Court, have no contact or possession of animals in the future, make $200 restitution to the Pet Project and serve 120 days of shock time.

Her sentence was suspended and she will remain on probation for three years. Anderson entered an Alford plea, meaning she believed there was enough evidence to convict her at trial.

KIMBERLY ANDERSON WAS CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY PREVIOUSLY

Kimberley Anderson, who was charged with a Class A misdemeanor of Animal Neglect in 2004 in a separate case (and only received a $249.50 fine).

Why is the judge being so lenient on her? She has abused animals before. The two witnesses SAW WHAT SHE DID to this little dog. If this kind of animal abuser doesn't deserve jail, who does?? Shame on Jackson County.

ANIMAL GROUPS TRYING TO STAY POSITIVE

“We’re so pleased today that a felony animal abuse conviction was obtained and that his dog’s family and the shelter’s staff and volunteers can now have closure in this case,” said Tori Fugate, Director of Marketing & Development with KC Pet Project.

“This is one of the first felony animal abuse convictions in Jackson County and we hope that this will set the bar for future cases to be heard by the courts for similar circumstances of abuse or neglect. Roadrunner’s story impacted many people in our community and we want to say thank you to everyone who shared his story and donated to help with his medical care.

"Roadrunner is living a wonderful life with his family and it’s because of the community’s support that he is now healthy and thriving.”

If she violates any of the terms, she could face up to four years of prison.

Her trial would have been held next week.

(KFVS12 - Dec 15, 2016)

Earlier:

• Dog owner spends the night in jail following animal abuse citation
• Kansas City woman is charged in the case of blinded dog Roadrunner

Missouri: Kimberly Anderson charged in the case of blinded dog Roadrunner

MISSOURI -- A 36-year-old Kansas City woman faces felony charges of animal abuse and animal neglect in an incident that resulted in a dog known as Roadrunner needing to have his eyes removed surgically.

Kimberly Anderson is accused of throwing the small brown Tibetan spaniel off the third-floor balcony of an apartment building in the 1200 block of Independence Avenue.

During the Nov. 9 incident, Anderson allegedly picked up the dog, slammed him to the ground and then kicked and choked him with a leash, according to court records.


She then allegedly left the dog outside. The dog later was rescued by Kansas City Animal Control after a witness reported the abuse. Both of the dog’s eyes had to be removed as a result of the injuries, court records stated.

“Acts of violence against a defenseless creature should be met with serious consequences,” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a statement.

office has requested a $20,000 bond and wants special bond conditions imposed, including that Anderson have no contact with any animals or own any animals. Anderson also could be ordered to immediately turn over to the city’s animal control any animals in her care.

Anderson had previously been issued a citation in the same case. It carried a penalty of a fine up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. However, the state charge would supersede the municipal citation.

Police arrested Anderson on Nov. 14, and she denied abusing the dog.

She said the dog ran out of her apartment and she was unable to catch him. Anderson said she saw the dog in the middle of Independence Avenue, where she said he was struck by a car and injured.

Anderson said she panicked and left the dog by the side of the road and failed to get him any medical attention, according to court records.

Anderson was convicted of animal cruelty back in 2004.

The dog is recovering, getting lots of love and doing well in foster care, according to Tori Fugate, marketing manager for the KC Pet Project, which operates Kansas City’s municipal animal shelter.

(Kansas City Star - Dec 11, 2014)

Earlier:

• Dog owner spends the night in jail following animal abuse citation

Missouri: Kimberly Anderson spends the night in jail following animal abuse charge that she threw her dog off a 3rd floor balcony

MISSOURI -- A woman who was issued an animal abuse citation by the city Friday was released from jail Saturday afternoon.

Kimberly Bond Anderson said she will fight the animal abuse accusations against her. Anderson’s dog, Roadrunner, a Tibetan spaniel, was found in critical condition Sunday night.

Neighbors say he was strangled and beaten by Anderson and thrown off a third floor balcony by her.

Anderson said she would never abuse an animal and that the dog ran out the door and was hit by a car.

“People think that I abuse my animals, I don’t,” she told FOX 4 on Saturday, shortly after she was released from jail. “I refuse to abuse animals.”

Anderson and her fiancé claim Roadrunner and her other dog, Pearl, escaped out the front door when they were heading to the dog park. Anderson said she grabbed Pearl but wasn’t able to get Roadrunner in time and he was hit by a car.

The couple’s friend, Gary Conner, who said he was there the day the incident happened, said they all thought Roadrunner was dead. Conner said he pulled Roadrunner out of the street and left him in the grass while they took the other dog to the dog park.

“We obviously thought he was dead,” Conner told FOX 4 on Saturday. “I mean I saw his eye balls just hanging, a big puddle of blood in the street. Dogs don’t carry that much blood.”

Anderson admitted to FOX 4 she didn’t try to call police or an animal hospital after the incident.

“She got scared,” Conner said.

KC Pet Project staff say roadrunner was chronically abused throughout his life. As of Saturday, Roadrunner was still recovering in a Kansas City-area foster home. According to his foster family he is eating, drinking and doing normal “dog things.” A company is working to donate a “halo” for Roadrunner to wear so he won’t bump into things.

Anderson told FOX 4 her neighbor lied to investigators when they reported she threw her dog off the balcony. Anderson said she didn’t strangle the dog. Conner said when he pulled Roadrunner out of the street the harness injured the dog.

“They saying that he was choked, my explanation for that, the harness goes around the part of the neck and when I reached down to get him it was all dead weight,” Conner said.

Conner said he didn’t call police or an animal hospital after he saw Roadrunner get hit because he didn’t have his phone on him.

Anderson said she will not fight to get Roadrunner back because she fears someone will hurt her if she does. She told FOX 4 Saturday he would be better off in another home.

“If people think she could abuse a dog like that they are crazy,” said Darrell Doran, Anderson’s fiancé. “She would not do anything like that, I’ve been with her for two months and watched her with those dogs and she never mistreated those dogs.”

Roadrunner was rushed from KC Pet Project to BluePearl Veterinary Partners, where he had surgery. Unfortunately, due to facial trauma he suffered, veterinarian surgeons had to remove both his eyes.

Chris Hernandez, Director of City Communication, said in an e-mail “Due to the severity of the alleged abuse, the case has also been presented to state prosecutors for higher level charges. If the state pursues charges, those would supersede the city charges, which would then be dropped to allow the state prosecution.”

The city-issued animal abuse charge carries a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail if Anderson is found guilty. She will face a court day in about ten days.

(Fox4KC - Dec 1, 2014) (CBS Springfield)

3/16/13: Disgraced veterinarian gets probation in cruelty case

MICHIGAN -- An assistant professor in Michigan State University’s veterinary school has been sentenced to probation and ordered to pay more than $10,000 in restitution and costs in an animal neglect case.

 

Patricia Schenck, of Olive Township, pleaded no contest to a reduced misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of personal property on Friday and was immediately sentenced by 65th District Court Judge Richard Wells, court officials said.

A no-contest plea is not a formal admission of guilt but is treated as a conviction.

She was charged with one felony animal neglect charge after police found 17 dogs and two cats in poor condition at her home in December.

One of the dogs was euthanized. The other animals were taken to shelters.

Schenck was suspended with pay from MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine while the case was pending. Her current status with the university was not immediately clear Friday evening.

An attorney for Schenck did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Schenck was placed on probation for two years and ordered to pay $8,000 to Animal Lodge, a kennel in St. Johns, $1,200 to the Capital Area Humane Society and $800 to a government agency to cover the cost of the animals’ care, the officials said.

She also was assessed $1,450 in fines and costs and ordered to forfeit the animals.

(Lansing State Journal - Mar 15, 2013)

Earlier:

• Dogs rescued after alleged neglect by MSU vet

Dogs rescued after alleged neglect by MSU vet

MICHIGAN -- Deep brown, watery eyes half full of hope and half full of terror stared up at psychology senior Kate Scanlon as she reached her hand through the bars of the kennel separating her from the Tibetan Spaniel named Cricket. But Cricket never moved closer.

Cricket’s timidness might stem from living with College of Veterinary Medicine assistant professor Patricia Schenck, who has been charged with felony neglect of 10 or more animals, Capital Area Humane Society President and CEO Julia Palmer said.

Four Tibetan Spaniels out of the 17 dogs taken from Schenck’s Clinton County residence, including Cricket, are up for adoption at the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., in Lansing.

Clinton County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Hayes previously said Schenck is scheduled for a pretrial conference and a trial in March.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Scanlon, a Humane Society volunteer, said. “Most dogs run to the side of the cage when you walk in — they’re all barking…These ones are more like ‘I don’t know how I feel about you.’”

Tibetan Spaniels Benny, 13, left, and Cricket,11, rest in their kennel
Feb. 6, 2013, at the Capital Area Humane Society.

Cricket, Benny, Pepsi and Striker as well as two Afghan Hounds from Eaton County — Honey and Shakti — are victims of reported local neglect cases involving veterinary experts.

Eaton County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Neil O’Brien said Honey and Shakti are two of seven dogs taken from Benson Elmwood Animal Hospital in Lansing, where one of their owners, Kathleen Williams, sometimes stayed. Williams pled guilty to a charge of animal neglect in late January.

Palmer said the society houses as many animals as possible, and the other animals involved in the cases are being housed elsewhere. One sick and elderly dog taken from Schenck’s residence was euthanized with her consent, and one Afghan Hound already has been adopted.

She said Williams’ and Schenck’s cases are similar in more than the professions of the dogs’ owners.

She said when the dogs were collected from their respective living conditions, both sets of dogs appeared to be slightly underfed, though this was more pronounced in the Afghan Hounds, and both had coats matted with feces. She said both cases appeared to be incidents where breeding was involved.

“In terms of demeanor — it’s what we see and expect from dogs like this,” Palmer said. “Typically they’re not wagging their tails. They’re not acting like happy dogs.”

Palmer said dogs that experience the level of neglect suspected in this case can be depressed, withdrawn, fearful and even aggressive.

However, Palmer said the timid dogs with sad eyes still are adoptable, and she hopes and expects they will be adopted in the next week or so.

Lansing resident Tammy Lobert pets Honey, an Afghan Hound on Feb. 6,
2013, at the Capital Area Humane Society. Honey was neglected by her
previous owner, along with six other Afghan Hounds, by Kathleen
Williams, a veterinarian at Benson Elmwood Animal Hospital.

Grand Ledge, Mich., resident John Bethell, who likes to stop by the society frequently to look at the dogs, said if he didn’t have so many pets already, he would consider adopting the dogs himself. He previously adopted a special needs dog that was abused. He said although they never forget their abuse, they can still make good pets.

“They have a great ability to forgive,” Bethell said.

(State News - Feb 6, 2013)

Loose pit bull attacks family in Wailua

HAWAII -- A Wailua resident and self-professed dog lover who once had plans to own a pit bull is now frightened at the sight of any dogs, even Chihuahuas, after a loose pit bull lunged at her young son and their small puppy.

“I’m terrified of any dog, and I have never been afraid of a dog before. And my kids are terrified, if they hear a dog barking they freak out,” said Sarah, who asked keep her last name from being disclosed.

About a month ago, Sarah was walking to a bus stop about a mile-and-a-half from her home to pick up her 5-year-old daughter, who was coming from school. Her husband was at work, so she took her their one-and-a-half-year-old son and the family’s puppy, a shih tzu/Tibetan spaniel mix, along with her.

As they waited longer than usual for the bus to arrive, Sarah let her son out of the stroller to walk around a little bit. She then noticed a gray pitbull charging toward them.

“He didn’t have a collar and it looked like he was out for fun,” she said.

Sarah said she immediately put her son and the puppy in the stroller and pulled down a mesh that covers it. She said when she bought the stroller, she hated the mesh and thought it was “the stupidest thing ever,” but now she realizes it probably saved her son and her puppy from being seriously injured.

As the pit bull approached them, she said “go away” and put her hand out for the dog to smell it. The dog started sniffing around, and then just went crazy on the stroller, she said.

“I’m not sure if he noticed the puppy, smelled the quesadilla my son was eating or wanted to attack the baby, but he lunged for the stroller,” said Sarah, adding that the dog started jumping on the stroller, biting and clawing at it.

The puppy barked once and her son didn’t scream, but the pit bull kept attacking the stroller. Without anything at hand to defend herself, Sarah started lifting the front end of the stroller to block the dog from getting through the mesh. As the drama unfolded, a passing car stopped and the driver got out to help.

The stroller’s mesh had a latch holding it down, but somehow the dog was able to undo it.

“The dog had just happened to hit the latch to make (the mesh) go up,” Sarah said. “He had his head in there right at the moment the guy pulled (the pit bull’s) head out. Had the guy even stopped a second later, the dog could have bitten somebody. … It was about to get really ugly.”

At that point, another man pulled up, she said. Both men tied up the pitbull and held it until Sarah’s daughter arrived at the bus stop.

As Sarah walked home safely with her family, it was only then that the seriousness of the incident hit her, and she broke down and cried.

“At home I couldn’t stop thinking about it; every time I’d shut my eyes I’d see this dog attacking the stroller,” she said.

The incident happened on Sept. 20, and it took Sarah a while to tell her story. She said she tried to forget about it, but rather developed some type of post-traumatic stress disorder. Whenever she sees a lose dog, big or small, she is terrified.

“I have always been a lover of the bull mixes; my last dog was an English bulldog,” said Sarah, adding that she always loved and wanted a pit bull. “Now I’m all prejudice against pit bulls.”

But more importantly than releasing stress by telling her story, she thought that this is safety issue that involves children, and therefore should be addressed.

“Truthfully, I would have dropped this and just dealt with it had I been alone, but my kids and the bus stop are involved, and now I am terrified for (my daughter’s) safety just getting to and from the bus because of dogs which, is ridiculous since it can so easily be controlled,” she said. “To this day I don’t know what happened when I left the bus stop that day.”

Before being attacked by the pit bull, Sarah said she didn’t think much of lose dogs.

“But now, every unleashed dog coming at me terrifies me, and I’ve never been afraid of a dog,” she said. “My daughter has only been riding the bus about two months and all this has already occurred. What’s next? Do we actually need to get bitten or have my puppy killed before someone actually cares about this situation?”

Sarah said she has not seen the pit bull ever since the incident.

(Thegardenisland.com - October 24, 2012)

Dog trapped in pickup engine has new home, new name

CALIFORNIA -- Chevy, a 25-pound dog discovered trapped in the engine compartment of a Chevrolet Silverado in San Clemente in sweltering heat Oct. 1, has a new owner. And a new name – Houdini.

"He escaped death," new owner Jaime Magaña said.

On Friday, the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter signed over adoption papers to Magaña, a building-restoration supervisor from Chino who had driven his company pickup 110 miles on a 95-degree day before getting a feeling that something might be horribly wrong under the hood.

Magaña, 52, said he parked at McDonald's in San Clemente, turned off the ignition, still felt movement, stepped out to investigate and feared the worst upon realizing that a hidden hitchhiker had been riding up front.

"I didn't want to open the hood," Magaña recalled. "He was next to the pulleys and the belts. Just a little move over to that side and he would have been chopped on those belts."

The year-old Keeshond/Tibetan spaniel mix had survived the entire morning cramped inside the hot engine. Fresh air from the fan may have saved him, authorities said.

Magaña, who said he recognized the dog from seeing it in his neighborhood a couple of days earlier, was in shock but ecstatic as he gently pulled him out from under the hood. The dog was uninjured and seemed fine except for a terrible thirst that Magaña quickly quenched.

He called the authorities. Shelter officials, marveling that the dog had come through the ordeal unfazed, nicknamed him Chevy.

Chevy went up for adoption after the San Clemente/Dana Point shelter contacted a shelter in the Chino area to put out word of a missing dog; no owner came forward.

On Friday, it was smiles all around as Magaña was awarded his new companion, known henceforth as Houdini.

"It's a happy ending," said Kim Cholodenko, the shelter's general manager.

Magaña and animal-control officials who inspected the truck surmised the dog had climbed into the engine compartment through an opening above the left front wheel and got stuck. Luckily there was just enough space for him to emerge unscathed.

The shelter screened an undisclosed number of adoption applicants. The dog's story had spread nationwide, so interest was high.

Cholodenko said it was clear that the Magaña family would make an excellent match after Magaña and his wife, Isabel, visited Saturday with their dogs Dexter and Dakota.

"I couldn't just let him go," Magaña said of Houdini. "I have two dogs, but after what we went through with this, it has to be ours."

(OC Register - Oct 19, 2012)

Earlier:

• Dog survives 'ruff' ride in truck engine