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Sunday, October 10, 2010

Chained dog hunger almost dead *-updated on 3 October 2010: Bellflower, CA (US)

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Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 7, 2010
County: Orange


Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 3 files available


Alleged: Kimberly Kimiko Nizato


Case Updates: 5 update(s) available

Somewhere in a lonely back yard, a young dog lived chained to a tree without food, water or attention.


He waited for that food, and when it didn't come, he ate dirt. Eventually the dog laid down and he didn't get up.


But still, he didn't die.


An anonymous Good Samaritan stepped in April 7 and rescued the German shepherd from sure death. The animal, not much more than skin and bone, wailed in agony on the way to get help.


The dog was taken to an emergency animal hospital in Orange County where a horrified veterinary technician called friends at German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County.


Everyone held their breath... would the dog make it through the night?


He made it, and GSROC went to work.


The nonprofit named the dog Courage and transferred him to Community Veterinary Hospital in Garden Grove where Dr. Bill Grant got to work.


"This is as bad as it gets," Grant said Tuesday.


The dog is too weak to stand and can barely lift his head. He weighed 37 pounds -- less than half his normal body weight -- when he was rescued. But with a weak kiss and a sparkle in his big brown eyes, the dog made a connection with his caretakers.


"This dog does not belong here, with us," Grant said. "But he seems to be willing to live, and he's recovering well."


GSROC volunteer Shawn Hollub is Courage's guardian angel by day. She stops by daily to visit him and stroke the gold and black fur stretched tautly over prodding bones.


"I told him, 'If you fight, we'll find a way to help you get better,' " Hollub said.


And Courage is fighting. Grant said the dog, which he estimates to be about 3 years old, is eating well and attempting to use atrophied muscles to lift himself from the floor. He's not out of the woods yet and more tests will tell if Courage's kidneys and liver will recover from the advanced malnutrition.


Orange County Register reporter Samantha Bowen met Courage on Tuesday at the hospital. Despite his skeletal appearance and months of neglect, the dog was sweet natured and eager to kiss and be touched.


As Dr. Grant knelt to say hello, Courage mustered the strength to roll slightly and offered his belly to the vet. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.


"He's fought an incredible battle," Grant said. "And he's here. He's on the right road now."


It will take months for the dog to get back on his feet and resume a normal life, Grant says. But GSROC and its team of volunteers are prepared to help Courage recover and eventually find him a new family.


"He should have been dead," Hollub said with tears in her eyes.


GSROC is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who knows more about the dog's owners. They don't know where the dog originated but are hopeful a neighbor will recognize Courage's photo and call in a tip.


For more information about Courage's, e-mail info@gsroc.org. Donations toward Courage's medical bills and care can be made at www.gsroc.org or 177F Riverside Avenue, Ste. 143, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Call 714-974-7762 for more information.


An arraignment was held Tuesday for a 26-year-old Bellflower woman charged with animal cruelty in the near-starving case of her German shepherd.

A preliminary hearing, which concluded Sept. 15, found sufficient evidence to try Kimberly Nizato with felony animal cruelty.


Nizato appeared briefly at her arraignment Tuesday and was ordered to return to the Norwalk Superior Court for a pre-trial hearing, set for Nov. 15, according to court staff.


The former veterinary hospital worker was arrested April 16 and charged with one count of felony animal cruelty after she gave her severely emaciated dog to a family friend.


Veterinarians who treated the German shepherd said he was half his normal body weight and had eaten dirt to survive.


The dog, who was taken in by a local animal rescue group and renamed Courage, recovered and was adopted by a Huntington Beach woman, authorities said.


Nizato is a former employee of Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Irvine. If she is convicted on all counts she could face fines and jail time.

The felony animal abuse case of a former veterinary hospital employee has been rescheduled from today until July 12 at Bellflower Superior Court.

Kimberly Nizato, 26, of Bellflower is being charged in the near-starvation case of Courage, the German Shepherd dog rescued by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County in April. Nizato, who was terminated from her job, pleaded not guilty. If convicted, she faces up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $20,000.


According to Nizato's attorney, Andrew Stein of Bellflower, a new date for the preliminary hearing has been set because he received new information today. Medical records, pictures and x-rays were handed over, and Stein said he plans on reviewing these in depth.


"I'm sending them out to a doctor to see what his opinion of the x-rays are," Stein said.


As reported in the OC Register, Nizato, who is the former employee of Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Irvine, did not appear in court today. Before this, the preliminary hearing had previously been scheduled for May 25, but it was postponed due to Stein's request for more medical records.


"We all get frustrated that the wheels of justice turn so slowly and it's easy to lose faith, but as long as we get our desired outcome of Kimberly Nizato never being in a position to harm another animal ever again, it's worth the wait," said Maria Dales, GSROC lead volunteer. "In this case, the evidence against her is so overwhelming that I can't imagine her not being convicted. I'm very pleased that the team at SEAACA and at the District Attorney's office are giving this case their full attention, underscoring that they don't take animal abuse lightly.


"The most convincing evidence against Nizato is that Courage is bouncing around at 80 pounds, behaving like a teenage Shepherd should!"


When rescued, Courage weighed 37 pounds and was hours or perhaps days away from death. Today, he is topping the scales at 80 pounds, still a bit skinny, gaining weight by the day. Veterinarians at Community Veterinary Hospital in Garden Grove state that Courage's physical and mental recovery are not just impressive, but nearly miraculous. His new mom, a GSROC volunteer, says he's relieving the puppyhood he never had by playing, running around, getting into trouble and eating. Lots and lots of eating.

Kimberly Nizato, the 26-year-old woman accused of nearly starving her dog to death was formally charged in a felony criminal complaint filed yesterday by the District Attorney’s Office. The date change was announced in a press release issued by the DA’s Office yesterday.

Kimberly Kimiko Nizato was charged with one felony count of cruelty to an animal in case No. VA115258 (see The People of the State of California v. Kimberly Nizato; writing the Deputy District Attorney for a sample letter urging Deputy District Attorney Mario Trujillo to give Ms. Nizato the maximum penalty available under law). Immediately after the case was filed, her attorney requested that she be arraigned and the court agreed.


Nizato pleaded not guilty. She is due back in Department 3 of Bellflower Superior Court on May 25. She remains free on $20,000 bail.


A severely emaciated adult German Shepherd owned by the defendant was rescued from her home on April 6. The veterinarian who examined the dog determined there was no evidence of food in his system, but hair, dirt and rocks were found in the stomach, authorities said.


Nizato worked in the veterinary field at the time of the alleged offense. The dog, formerly known as Bosco, has been renamed Courage. Courage is recovering and gaining weight without assistance from medication, according to authorities.

A woman arrested Friday on accusations of starving her three-year-old German shepherd nearly to death works as a veterinary technician, animal control officials said.

Kimberly Kimiko Nizato, 26, of Bellflower, was arrested by Southeast Area Animal Control Authority officers and booked on charges of felony animal cruelty at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lakewood station, SEAACA Capt. Aaron Reyes said.


She is the registered owner of the dog, who's been named "Courage" by his rescuers.


"The important thing now is that Courage is getting the help he needs," Reyes said. "Now (Nizato) needs to answer for her crimes."


The dog was found Tuesday locked in a carrier in Nizato's garage, in the 17900 block of Carpintero Avenue, officials said.


He had dirt, rocks and hair in his stomach, a sign the shepherd had scrounged for anything he could while wasting away, officials said.


It appears the dog was moved at some point from Nizato's back yard to her garage, Reyes said.


It's unknown how long the shepherd had been without food, but he was less than half the normal weight for a dog his size when he was found this week, Reyes said. The dog was so weak he couldn't stand of lift his head.


Courage is now being cared for by a foster family arranged by the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County and a veterinarian, officials said.


Officials from Downey-based SEAACA, which also provides animal control services for Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and 12 other cities, said a woman who wished to remain anonymous intervened and took the dog to an Orange County veterinarian Tuesday, after Nizato gave him to her.


"The dog is under veterinary care right now and is showing signs of recovery," said SEAACA Sgt. Chuck Miller. "He's responding well but he's not out of the woods yet."


The dog alert, has been trying to stand and has a good appetite - all good signs, a veterinarian said.


"The prognosis is good if nothing else is wrong with it and it just didn't get enough food," said veterinarian Brad Brunskill. "If it wants to eat, that's a good sign."


Nizato, who worked as a technician at an Irvine veterinary hospital, has a prior burglary conviction, officials said.


She is being held on $20,000 bail and SEAACA officials have asked that it be increased to $50,000, and will be arraigned early next week.


Read more: Owner of emaciated German shepherd found at Downey home arrested - Whittier Daily News http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_14900596#ixzz0o7RfqAgh

A German shepherd left for weeks without food inside a pet carrier in the garage of a Bellflower home ate dirt and rocks in a desperate bid to survive, animal control officials said Thursday.

Officials from the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey, which also provides animal control services for Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and 12 other cities, said a woman rescued the dog Tuesday and took him to Community Veterinary Hospital in Garden Grove.


SEAACA officials have identified a 26-year-old Bellflower woman as the owner of the dog. Officials said the woman could face arrest.


A $1,000 reward was offered for information leading to whomever was responsible for leaving the dog to starve, according to KTLA.


Capt. Aaron Reyes of SEAACA said the dog was known as Bosco, but officials have nicknamed him Courage. The woman who brought the animal in for treatment told officials she'd like to adopt Courage, Reyes said.


It was not known exactly how long the dog went without food, Reyes said. The dog was starving and weighed only about half of its normal weight when found.


Read more: Woman rescues shepherd left to eat only dirt - Whittier Daily News http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_14895734#ixzz0o7QvzhDA

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Cat shot with crossbow *-updated on 3 October 2010: South Manheim Township, PA (USA)

Case Details

Date of the event:Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
State/Province:Schuylkill


Sale:Alleged


Claimed:Patrick Canfield


Case updates: 1 update (s) available

Schuylkill County, a man has been charged with cruelty to animals, after he reportedly a domestic cat with a crossbow lap.


State police on Schuylkill haven, said Patrick d. Canfield, 36, of Manheim Township South, Michigan, has been charged with shooting cat Amy Fisher L., 37, of 1763 Running Deer Drive, South Manheim Township. the incident took place between 8 and 22.: 00 on August 5, said troopers.


A man in Schuylkill County, has acknowledged that the cat of a neighbor with a cross-bow shooting and is now facing the test animal cruelty.

The owners of the cat, Oscar, believe law was done.


Tracie Lau supports the cat, and was wearing a sign that "Justice for Oscar" out of the Office of the judge of the District of masterful read. "I do not know how you could so something like that and consider yourself a healthy and rational person.It's just cruelty extraodinaire, "said Lau.


Patrick Canfield told a judge that he used a cross-bow shooting the cat after it was aggressive, urinating in his garden and eating are trash.


"Rage! it makes me really angry and for him so smug about it and try to justify shooting a cat eight pounds with a crossbow, for me there is nothing he can say to justify what he did," said Oscar van co-owner Paul Flecha.


"He would have asked that we Oscar to remove from their property. If there is a problem was all they had to do was to ask," said Oscar van co-owner Amy Fisher.


Oscar and his owners had their supporters during the hearing.


"I feel this was a horrible act and I think that right be done," said Marie Riegal of new Ringgold.


The case now goes to Schuylkill County Court judge. If the convicted Patrick Canfield time in prison and a fine may face.

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Dog theft-updated on 3 October 2010: Mendota, VA (US)

Case Details

Date of the event:Sunday, June 25, 2009
State/Province:Washington


Rates:Crime CTA
Sale:Alleged


Claimed:Willem Joseph Hilliard


Case updates: 1 update (s) available

Just as a breeder peek-a-poo left the courthouse of Bristol Virginia last week, because of insufficient care of his 46 dogs, he was charged also--this time with the crime dog nap ping.


William Joseph Hilliard, 74, was arrested and charged with theft of animals, class 5, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.


On 25 June, a woman named the Bristol Virginia Police Department report that a man in a old blue Chevy truck have two Boston terriers of her father's House in Mendota, VA. A police investigation led to a little house Lewis Street, which Hilliard shared with his old friend and dog-food business partner, Shirley Murray.


Hilliard had the Boston terriers, but told police that she gave him a man, says Animal Control Officer Deena Bouton.


Meanwhile, the House was so dirty and full of dogs that Police called for the control of the city environment, that the property must be declared unfit for habitation.


The dogs, mostly furs poodles peek-a-Poos and Pekingese, were taken to Jones Animal Hospital, pound of the city.


Hilliard and Murray were each charged with 46 points of inadequate care for their animals. Last Thursday, they were each sentenced to 23 points, a fine of $ 25 for each, with all but $ 100 suspended.Hilliard was allowed to collect five of his dogs and Murray got four.


The rest was owned by the State. According to Karen Lowe, who got his volunteering at the pound for the care of the animals, a puppy died, two dogs had to be euthanized--for aggression and, on the other hand, because it was painful paralyzed by lack of medical care. other turned out to be pregnant, expecting more puppies any day now.


Hilliard and Murray arrived at the pound last Friday to get out of their dogs.


Murray said that she chose two dogs of her brother-in-law, to return to him, together with her oldest Shmoo and two dogs, puppy, both 12-year-old spayed female.


"If I would have to do then, I would never they began," she said of the dogs to breed. "I am sorry to say, every day of my life.It's just not fair, I don't think that no one has the right to do so. "


Murray and Lowe were both there when Hilliard also picked up his dogs, they begged him to Stubby, an old blind male dog that they thought they had a hard time finding a House. Hilliard denied.Instead, he took two AKC-registered cocker spaniels, one man and one woman, and stated that he was going to breeding. Skipper, he also took an old male peek-a-POO, and Tipper and Buffy, both women unspayed.


Lowe, offered to pay out of pocket, with his dog.He refused.


"It was horrible, that we asked him:" don't forget take these dogs, "" remembered "Lowe.He would not have gotten them back. it was a total injustice for those dogs. "


The pound hosted an adoption Monday--24 people showed up and 24 dogs properties found.Since then, several more.Ten, including old, blind Stubby, are still waiting for homes.


Anyone who is interested in would Jones Animal Hospital (423) 968-7011.


"I miss them terrible," said Murray."But they better off from being adopted. Someone please take good care of them."


Hilliard is scheduled to appear in Washington County General District Court, on the dogs stealing costs, at 9 am, 28 July.


A 74-year-old Bristol puppy breeder, convicted of animal crimes Tennessee and other costs, pending the entry into force, now has a total of 40 dogs to the two countries.

William Joseph Hilliard was Monday of animal cruelty in Washington County, Tennessee, convicted of two baby shih tzus in a pet taxi come up on a hot Sunday at the flea market of Jonesborough, Tennessee was Hilliard. around a third dehydrated puppy.


"I didn't think it would make one, I thought the Brown little one would die," said Washington County Animal Control Officer Wayne Thomas."Now, they do all really good, and they are gonna get beautiful houses and hopefully live long life."


Hilliard pleaded no contest in court on Monday, said Thomas. He was sentenced to a year of the trial period and 40 hours of community service, forever banned from the flea market of Jonesborough, Tennessee and it is forbidden to bring animals in Washington County, for two years. He was ordered to pay the shelter $ 66.49 for the care of the dogs. Thomas calls for stricter rules for dog breeding and selling in Washington County. it is, above all, a problem at the flea market, he said, where people come from Member States their puppies to sell to the highest bidder.


"Some of these breeders are only in it for the dollar, they could care less about their pet and just want to pawn it off on someone. and that really Burns me up," said Thomas. "When I get the chance to pay for it, when I go. but I can nothing about what is going on in Bristol. I wish I could, but I can't. "


On 25 June, a woman named the Bristol Virginia Police Department report that a man in a old blue truck stole two Boston terriers of her father's House in Mendota, VA. investigations led police in a small house on Lewis Street that Hilliard shared with his old roommate and business partner who Boston terriers, but told police that a man gave him the dogs.


But the House was so full of filth and dog, 46, that the city has the property condemned. the dogs were taken Jones animal hospital with the rotting teeth and matted fur with dirt and feces.


Hilliard and your business partner were each charged with 46 points of animal neglect. a few weeks later, each in 23 points was sentenced. the right to get back may Hilliard five of the dogs and the partner got four.


The 37 dogs on the left side of the pond, three died, but the rest had been established, according to the vet.


Then again Hilliard was last week in Washington County, Virginia, court about the crime dog free sleep. his lawyer asked a psychological evaluation, in which his mental state "doubtful". the application was granted and the hearing was scheduled for 9 a.m. 8 december.


In Washington County, Tennessee, for the three shih tzus permanent properties found.


"They all go," said Thomas. "They will be dealt with, they will be the kind of love that these animals deserve. so if you're in Washington County, and you do not take care of your animals, would one day, I come knocking on your door. "

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Puppy Mill dogs, learn what leads to buy a puppy that dogs

Dog from a puppymill - parker 

Best friends is a rescue organization dedicated to helping animals which come from the mills, unwanted, abused, and so on.  About a month or so ago close to 1,000 dogs, usually dachshunds Whispering Oaks Kennels in West Virginia surrendered and best friends came to the rescue.  Read this post for more information on why we never of animals from pet stores, online, and most of the farmers must buy.  Please do not support Mills (which means that pet shops, most people don't know that), and!

Parker is one in a thousand – literally. Our little brown Dachshund was an almost that many dogs and puppies surrendered by Whispering Oaks Kennel in Parkersburg, West Virginia last week.Until he was rescued, Parker lived in a rabbit Hutch with three other dogs, it is likely that he never left that cage. ever.

Only last week Parker's sole purpose in life, reason is worthy of food every day in the eyes of its owner, is that the puppies.Whispering Oaks sold thousands of puppies online over the years, more than $ 700 per puppy of $ 300. customer had no idea that all dogs in barns and rabbit hutches lived, because they were never allowed to see where the dogs adult breeding lived. And she could not know that their puppies as Parker had a father.

Parker met first last Sunday, I was on a team of three whose responsibility it then had to go cage cage and an ID band on each dog. My volunteer work partner Travis called the ID bands "the ticket here."He and I went together methodical, together with the vice-Shanna Modesitt so as to be sure that every dog in each cage labeled and teams came behind us and the dogs in crates loaded, so that they can be taken to the staging area where an army of rescue workers and volunteers waited. Parker was in a free-standing rabbit Hutch-type cage. All of the cages looked like they had beaten together with waste, if the breeder so requests, which could find. I can't imagine what it must have been to live in this cage each day, with nowhere to get from the blistering heat, and nothing but a plywood box with no beds to curl up the freezing winters.

Protected welding gloves Heavy my hands, in the event we encountered a dog bite. I remember that Parker's cage, was especially troublesome because the only way to access a large wooden door, making it possible for a good two feet hole for dogs to popping out if they wanted to escape lower.Travis had the ID bands ready and Deputy Modesitt was on the other side of the cage, shooing away dogs so that we can achieve them. All the dogs in the cage around us barked furiously on us – I don't know that they've ever seen so much action in their lives! I was able to get into the cage for Travis ID bands, will address the following miniature Dachshund. And then from the other side of the car shouted about Deputy Modesitt barking, "NOT let this one bite; he has terrible teeth!"I yelled back, "okay!" and the wooden door again as a scruffy Brown Dachshund with huge, Brown and white teeth of snaggly came on our side of the cage, called by the Deputy Modesitt zipping opened. he could I pick him up without fuss, Travis protected ID collar around his neck, and let's him back into the only cage that he has ever known.

Later, we found him on the staging area where he had enjoyed his cage. He would probably have to comprehensive dental care, and what better "poster dog" for dental neglect all-too often found in the puppy Mill dogs? For example, he was one of the first dogs that we focused on Michelle if they went around to dogs like to return to the best friends.

Before we put it in a crate trip on our bus to come home to Utah loaded, the only experience I had with Parker took him out of his cage in the Puppy Mill.But his personality presented in the near future, and what a personality that he has!We stopped every few hours to get the dogs out of their cages, because we really want to deal with them to everyone in the bus. my biggest fear is that we have a dog, in view of the fact that they never on a leash had run before, and not had probably ever walked on the ground before would lose few Parker is treated as a pro.He got so excited when we are travel crate, he would smile with this crazy mug! many dogs smile when she excitedly, wrinkling of their noses and show their teeth in a big grin. on Parker, that smile was quite a sight to behold.But what a great little guy.

He was soon pretty well guided, sniffing the grass and there game of outside like a good boy.

After almost 40 hours on the road, we finally arrived at the holy place where everyone Parker for the first time got. I can't wait to watch him here bloom with care and love that he has earned, but so far has been denied.

Visit the website http://www.bestfriends.org for more information about Best Friends Animal Society

Please enter the information about the terrible attrocities that puppy mills happen. can we stop This by not buying dogs but instead. Please note that for each bought a dog that is in a shelter dies.

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Saturday, October 9, 2010

The circus is Coming To Town, Please Do Not Support Animal Abuse!

                    


Most of us grew up looking forward to the circus coming to town.  The anticipation of the ring master leading in acts of performers, clowns and animals under the big top.  The magical feeling of watching aerial trapeze artists virtually float through the air, packs of clowns zipping around the tent, honking their horns and making us laugh, eating your snacks while seeing enormous elephants doing tricks like the ones we teach our own dogs.  As good as this may sound to you and your little ones there are a few alarming things you should know before purchasing your tickets to the circus again.


Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus paints a picture of happy animals performing tricks because they like doing them. Consider the following, then decide whether that’s true. Here are some of Ringling’s frequent claims juxtaposed with the facts about the circus’s treatment of animals:


Ringling:
Our training methods are based on continual interaction with our animals, touch and words of praise, and food rewards.
Reality:
Video footage taken between 2001 and 2006 of Ringling trainers and handlers shows that elephants were aggressively hooked, lame elephants were forced to perform and travel, and a trainer inflicted a bloody bullhook wound behind an elephant’s ear flap. Former Ringling employees that left the circus in 2006 and 2007 describe violent beatings as well as the routine abuse of elephants, horses, camels, and zebras.


Ringling:
The ankus (bullhook) is used as an extension of the handler’s arm to guide the elephants.
Reality:
The bullhook, by design, is intended to cause pain and puncture the skin. Despite its appearance, an elephant’s skin is as sensitive as humans’ skin. The sharp metal hook on the end of the bullhook bruises, punctures, and tears elephants’ skin easily and often. Former Ringling animal crew employees report that the circus keeps a bag of topsoil handy to cover up bloody bullhook wounds on elephants.


Ringling:
Ringling is a leading expert in the care of Asian elephants. Our staff is dedicated to meeting our animals’ physical and behavioral needs.
Reality:
Ringling’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection reports are riddled with serious citations of problems that directly impact animal welfare. In 2006 alone, the circus was cited three times for failure to provide adequate veterinary care to a disabled elephant, to an elephant with a large swelling on her rear leg, and to a camel with bloody wounds. Also in 2006, Ringling was cited for causing trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm, and discomfort to two young elephants who sustained cuts and abrasions when they ran amok in an arena in Puerto Rico; improper handling of dangerous animals; and an enclosure in disrepair.


Ringling:
Ringling has never been adjudged to have violated the Animal Welfare Act.
Reality:
Ringling attempts to confuse the issue with legal terminology. The USDA refers to a citation on an inspection report as a “noncompliance” rather than a “violation.” Each citation by the USDA is an indication that federal inspectors found that Ringling Bros. is failing to comply with the minimum requirements of the Animal Welfare Act.


In addition to being cited on inspection reports, Ringling has also been warned by the USDA for causing trauma and stress to two baby elephants who suffered painful rope lesions when they were prematurely pulled from their mothers and for improper euthanasia after a caged tiger was shot to death. Ringling also paid a $20,000 penalty to settle USDA charges of failing to provide veterinary care to a sick baby elephant who died shortly after he was forced to perform.


Ringling:
All circuses are subject to stringent animal welfare regulations at the local, state, and federal level.
Reality:
No agency monitors training sessions, in which animals may be beaten behind the scenes. Most state and local agencies defer to the already overburdened USDA for matters concerning exotic animals in circuses. The federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) has no regulations that specifically pertain to elephants. For example, space requirements for animals ranging from elephants to zebras simply state, “Enclosures shall … provide sufficient space to allow each animal to make normal postural and social adjustments.” Ringling consistently opposes proposed laws that would ban cruel training methods, such as bullhooks and the chaining of elephants. Although inspections by the USDA are supposed to be unannounced, several former Ringling employees claim that the circus always knows in advance when inspectors are coming.


Ringling:
Our staff are experts in their fields.
Reality:
Staff caring for animals in circuses may have little experience or formal training, increasing the potential for improper handling. Ringling regularly hires inexperienced people, some directly out of homeless shelters, and allows them to work with animals.


Ringling:
Ringling is attempting to save endangered Asian elephants from extinction.
Reality:
Ringling breeds elephants solely to perform in its circus. None of Ringling’s elephants can ever be released to the wild. Of the approximately 62 elephants owned by Ringling in 1990, 57 were captured in the wild. And at least 24 elephants have died since 1992. Ringling has not been successful in breeding more elephants than it has captured and imported for use in its traveling show, and its elephants are dying at a faster rate than they are breeding. Ringling routinely pulls unweaned elephants from their mothers to train them and put them on the road.


Ringling:
The animal routines in our circus showcase our animals’ natural behaviors.
Reality:
In nature, elephants don’t stand on their heads, walk trunk-to-tail, skip, crawl, or twirl, and adult female elephants do not mount one another. Tigers don’t hop on their hind legs and roll over in unison. In order to force wild animals to perform difficult and confusing circus tricks, trainers use whips, sticks, and bullhooks.


Ringling:
The public display of exotic and endangered animals contributes to a heightened awareness of humans’ responsibility to safeguard and protect these animals.
Reality:
According to David Hancocks, former director of the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, “When [circuses] portray animals as freaks and curiosities, devoid of context or dignity, circuses are perpetuating outdated attitudes. Wild animals in the circus are reduced to mere caricatures of their kind, exhibited just for financial gain. In this way, they corrupt our children, promoting the notion that exploitation and degradation is acceptable, even brave or funny.”


Ringling:
We operate a 200-acre state-of-the-art facility dedicated to breeding, research, and retirement of Asian elephants.
Reality:
The elephants at Ringling’s breeding compound in Florida only have access to a fraction of the property. When they are not chained, the elephants are confined to barns and small, barren outdoor paddocks. Ringling’s Williston, Fla., facility—also referred to as its retirement center—has several elephants who are infected with or exposed to a human strain of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). In September 2006, two male elephants at its breeding center also tested positive for TB and three female elephants were pulled off the road because they had been exposed to diseased elephants.


Ringling:
Our elephant care practices are in line with those set out in the “Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide” published by the International Elephant Foundation (IEF) with the support of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the Elephant Managers Association (EMA).
Reality:
As a founding board member of the IEF, Ringling helped develop the “Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide.” Ringling may have felt a need to develop this guide because the circus does not comply with the existing AZA Standards for Elephant Management and Care. Ringling does not provide its elephants on the road with AZA’s minimum space requirements, and the elephants are subjected to prolonged chaining.


Ringling:
Ringling Bros. elephants are healthy, thriving, vigorous, and content.
Reality:
The USDA has noted on Ringling inspection reports that some of the circus’s elephants suffer from lameness, foot abscesses, and arthritis. At least eight of the 24 elephant deaths at Ringling since 1992 were attributable to either osteoarthritis or a chronic foot problem—a common problem in captive elephants caused by lack of space and forced inactivity. In a book titled The Elephant’s Foot, former Ringling veterinarian Gary West contributed a chapter about foot care. West wrote, “Foot-related conditions and arthritis are the leading cause of euthanasia in captive elephants in the United States.”


What can you do to help?  It’s as easy as not supporting animal abuse!  No ticket sales = No Abuse!

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My Own friend's Brother chains are dog!

So I write about animal cruelty, donate money, time and talk about cruelty to animals, but at the end of the day, has hit home on a personal level! One of my best friend brothers chains are dog! OMG, what am I going to do!24 hours a day, 7 days a week that poor German shepard is outside in the cold the whole day. from my understanding is that how this little boy his whole life because he has lived a puppy.


Chained German Shepard


I've been thinking about the last few days and it very well could be the beginning of the end of a good friendship but the safety of the dog goes!I was talking with my friend about it and she knows that I'm going to try to someone else without that the dog of her brother.I have been researching the Internet to see what other legal tactic that I use can to help this dog. I've heard of organisations that help to talk to the owners to educate them about the cruelty of linking dogs. my thoughts on that is, if you so heartless that you can map a dog and his sad little eyes cannot change your mind, then there is little possibility of people to change.


If anyone has suggestions, please let me know!

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Make A Donation To Fight Pet Abuse



Make a big difference for animals internationally!

Your generosity allows us to support animals in need everywhere.  Whether helping care for farm animals in the aftermath of a natural disaster, implementing humane stray control programs, campaigning to finish unnecessary acts of cruelty, or raising international awareness of animal welfare, WSPA is making a endless difference in the lives of animals throughout the world.

WSPA's unique structure allows them to service animal welfare organizations (member societies) in the most remote parts of the world and in countries that have no active animal welfare legislation.  By offering these organizations with education, funding, and advice, we are making a long term difference for millions of animals across the world.

Dogs versus women – who is nicer?

Here's a great comparison between dogs and wives, you're going to judge who the winner is.


This came to me in an email today and I just had to share, you can also share with your friends by clicking on the share of these button below.


jack-russel-terrier



1. the higher you are, the more your dogs are excited to see you.


whippet

2. Dogs say you do not use them in the name of another dog.


sheepdog

3. Dogs such as in if you have a lot of things on the ground.


boxer


4. a dog parents never.


rotwheiler



5. Dogs your voice that you need to get your point across.


german-shepard

6. you never have to wait for a dog, they are ready to go 24 hours a day.


bulldog-cluelty


7. you can find Dogs funny if you're drunk.


black-lab


8. Dogs want to go hunting and fishing.


poodle


9. a dog will not you wake up in the night,?If I died, would you still a dog?


lab


10. If a dog babies, you can put an ad in the newspaper and give them away.


puppy


11. a dog will let you put a nail collar without having a copy of a pervert.


pip-bull


12. If a dog is a dog you can smell, angry, they're not. they think that it's just interesting.


border-collie

13. Dogs want to drive in the back of a pickup truck.


collie



14. If a dog leaves, it will not take half of your stuff.


If you still can't decide then try this:


Lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of the car for an hour. Open the trunk and see who was happier to see you ...


Thank you for your cooperation and keeping of animals, that it is cold outside so make sure your dogs are inside, safe and warm!


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Hog-Dog found tied, left to die *-updated on 3 October 2010: Bakersfield, CA (US)

Case Details

Incident Date: Thursday, Apr 22, 2010
County: Kern


Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 2 files available


Defendant/Suspect: James Dale Worley


Upcoming Court Dates:
» Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010: sentencing


Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Animal control officers sifted through tips that came in on the case of a pit bull found tied up, and left to die. On Friday, the dog was doing pretty well after being rescued Thursday morning.


But, the search is on for whoever abused the animal. After seeing news reports, callers reported some leads -- and some said the dog could be theirs.


Karina Ramirez thought the abused dog could be her pit bull that went missing about eight months ago.


"When I saw the news last night, I just started bawling," Ramirez told Eyewitness News. "There was something about his eyes that made me think that it was Cyrus."


Ramirez said she was living near Mt. Vernon Avenue, when the gate was left open, and Cyrus got out. Since then, she's been looking at any stray pits, and hoping that might be her dog.


Ramirez went to the animal shelter to get a look, but the rescued dog wasn't Cyrus.


"It's sad, because that poor dog is a nice dog," she said -- after petting the rescued animal.


Ramirez had a photo of herself with Cyrus. Her dog had white legs, the abused animal has brown ones. Otherwise, the coloring was very close.


The abused animal was found by an animal control officer Thursday morning in a field off Adobe Road, between Sandrini Road and Teale Road. Officers went out, after getting an anonymous call.


They found a situation much worse than they expected, said animal control director Guy Shaw.


"The two back paws were tied together, the front paws were tied together, I believe it was also sort of hog-tied like when you're doing cattle wrestling," Shaw explained.


He said the animal had been tied up with something like thick shoe laces.


"And the muzzle -- the face -- had it wrapped around, and tied with those laces, so it was sort of held down in that way."


Shaw said the shelter medical team had checked over the dog, and he was doing amazingly well.


"Except for being a little thin, the swelling has done done from its paw that was tied and very swollen."


Shaw said the dog seemed to be eating pretty well, and it was well-behaved.


The animal does have a very thick chain connected tightly around his neck, and they're trying to find the best way to get that off.


Shaw said the dog will be held the required number of days, as any stray would. After that, several rescue groups have expressed an interest in taking him in.


Officers are looking over the leads that were called in on Friday, but Shaw said they welcome any additional information. The number to call is 868-7102.


Ramirez was disappointed the dog was not her missing Cyrus, she still hopes he will be found. And she wishes she could give the rescued animal the home it deserves.


As for the person who abused the dog?


"I think whoever did it should be prosecuted," Ramirez said. "Because an animal is your companion."


The man accused of hog-tying and abandoning a dog pleaded no contest Monday to a felony count of cruelty to an animal.

As a result, two other counts were dismissed.


James Dale Worley, of Bakersfield, was charged in May with animal abuse and abandonment. He left a pit bull in a muddy field with its mouth and legs bound. A farm worker found the dog off Adobe Road south of the city.


A property owner asked Worley to get rid of the dog after it bit a worker, according to the sheriff's office report. Worley initially lied to animal control officers but later admitted to dumping the dog. He didn't admit to hog-tying the dog.


News of the abuse struck a nerve with animal lovers. One online petition seeking prosecution to the fullest extent of the law got thousands of signatures.


The dog, who was named England after one of the animal control officers who rescued him, was eventually taken in by the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, an animal welfare organization that is associated with Hollywood actress Katherine Heigl.


Worley is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 26.

The man accused of hog-tying a dog finally faced a judge Friday.

James Worley, 52, of Bakersfield, was in court to answer to animal abuse and abandonment charges.


Worley pleaded not guilty to two charges of felony cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor charge of abandoning a dog or cat.


When Eyewitness News asked Worley if he had a comment about this case, his attorney said, "No comment. "


Even though Worley pleaded not guilty, a copy of the investigative report from the Kern County Sheriff's Office tells a different story.


The report shows the owner of Worley's property told Worley that he didn't want the dog on the property. Then, on April 20, a person doing business on the property got bit and dragged by the dog.


The owner told Worley again that he didn't want the dog on the property, and Worley told him, "Don't worry about the dog. We got rid of the dog," according to the report. Worley made a slicing motion at his neck while making the statement, the document shows.


Two days later, on April 22, the report said a farm worker found a hog-tied pit bull in a field on Adobe Road. It was taken to the animal shelter.


Then on April 26, the report said animal control officers went to ask Worley about the dog biting incident. Worley reportedly told the officers he found the dog dead in its kennel after the bite occurred, but officers told Worley that the dog at the shelter was identified as the bite dog.


According to the report, Worley then asked the officers, "How much time will I get for dumping the dog?" The officers said that was unknown, then Worley reportedly asked to make a private call.


After the call, Worley said, "Take me to jail. I dumped the dog on Adobe Road."


When officers asked Worley if he tied the dog up, Worley said, "I did not tie it up. I dumped it, and anything could have happened after that."


Worley is facing three years in prison for the felony charges, and the misdemeanor is a sentence of jail time.


This animal abuse case has touched a lot of people, and some even went to court on Friday to see the man who allegedly abused the pit bull.


One of those people was Karen Marousek who started an online petition to make sure the person responsible for hog-tying the dog is punished to the fullest extent of the law.


"While people may not think that prosecuting for animal abuse is a significant crime, they do need to understand that many times it does lead or many times is in conjunction with abuse towards humans," she said.


The petition had well over 2,300 signatures as of Friday evening, and it had comments from people throughout the country and around the world.


The dog was named England, after one of the animal control officers, Kristen England, who rescued him. He was handed over Wednesday to the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, which was co-founded by Hollywood actress Katherine Heigl.


Worley is scheduled to be back in court for his preliminary hearing on May 21.

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178 cats seized from home *-updated on 3 October 2010: Fond du Lac, WI (USA)

Case Details

Date of the event:Monday, June 23, 2008
State/Province:Fond du Lac

Rates:Crime
Sale:Condemned
Case images:12 available files

Defendant: Allan C. Roach

Case updates: 2 update (s) available

The humane society of Fond du Lac is asking for help, at night after 165 cats seized by the authorities of a House on East Follett Street.

Police Department fond du Lac, continued to work this morning to more cats out of the house occupied by two brothers, said Major Dennis Fortunato of Police Department fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Authorities responded to the House on Monday evening, after receiving a call from a neighbor who complain about a strong stench in the area.

"We got a call from a neighbor about a strong odor of urine out of the House," said Fortunato

Tuesday morning it was unclear why the two brothers had so many cats or that the question was a criminal law nature, while authorities to investigate. Fortunato said the police are in contact with the residents of the House, but no one has been taken into custody.

No other species of animals are supposed to be in the House.

The fond du Lac, Wisconsin Humane Society was busy Tuesday morning to the cats at the shelter and checked out, said Shelter Manager Lucy Mathers. She said that none of the cats were terrible health.

"They seem OK health. some have a small eye infections, but they are all very friendly," she said.

With the unexpected influx of cats Mathers said that the shelter to cats, cat food and volunteers to help all animals. donations of money and foster families for the cats are also needed.

Those who are interested in helping to stop by the humane society of Fond du Lac on 652 triangle Road or call the shelter at 922-8873.


A man who lived in a Fond du Lac House with 178 cats and a fridge with dead kittens will 100 animals help for hours on end.

Allan C. Roach, 57, now of Portage, which does not moot last week 10 points of failure to provide adequate sanitary facilities for an animal.

Ten points of failure to provide adequate ventilation for an animal were laid off.

Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Dale Roach to English ordered a years of probation and community service on the Columbia County Humane Society. If Roach has been arrested for the mistreatment of animals, he shall have the same six months in prison, in accordance with the English sentencing decision.

On 23 June 2008 that police the House of Roach and his twin brother, Scott P. Roach, hardwood floors in the form of urine, feces stains throughout the House and back up of waste water in the basement, in accordance with the criminal complaint.

When the House Officers, Windows were open and the smell of urine which their eyes water, according to the complaint.

Scott Roach officers showed a cat that malnutrition was with her tongue sticking out of a closed mouth. the cat made moaning and gurgling sounds, according to the complaint.

The dead cats and kittens in the fridge died in the winter and had to be buried, according to the complaint.

The House on 190 e. Follett St. was later by the city of fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Allan Roach reported during his first appearance that his brother died since the 2008 incident.

A Wisconsin man is accused of 178 cats negligible and the holding of dead kittens wrapped in foil in his refrigerator.

Allan C. Roach faces felony charges 20. He was earlier this week with 10 points of failure to provide adequate sanitary facilities for an animal, and 10 points of failure to provide adequate ventilation for an animal will be charged.

The case goes back to June 2008 when the cats were found in a House Roach used to share with his brother in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Prosecutors say that they delayed Roach partial loading because they are short staffed.

The criminal complaint says many of the cats were missing patches of fur or were skinny.

A phone number for the 57-year-old Roach, now of Portage, could not be found Saturday.


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Cockfighting-23 birds seized: Philadelphia, PA (USA)-september 8, 2010

Case Details

Date of the event:Wednesday, September 8, 2010
State/Province:Philadelphia


Sale:Alleged


Abuser names are not released


Philadelphia police and SPCA officials raided, in their view, one of the most comprehensive cock fighting rings that they have seen near the hunting Park North Philadelphia 's.


A total of 23 cocks were confiscated by SPCA officials at a private residence on the block 2900 North 7th Street in what is the result of an investigation into six month.


"This was quite comprehensive.I haven't seen that in the fifteen years or more that I've been doing this kind of work, "said George Bengal from the Pennsylvania SPCA.


Researchers say that fights took place in the basement of the House with up to 100 spectators at a time. police discovered quarter-inch thick bullet-proof glass in the Windows of the place of residence shall be considered as a specific to law enforcement.


"This was the top of the food chain, very comprehensive," said Bengal. "It was a very expensive set up. "


Officials say the prized birds were treated well and their only purpose was to combat and other birds to kill. inspection of the House revealed blood on the walls of the basement to support the theory of the violent battles.


An unknown man in Police custody were taken and he is not formally appointed to carry out an accomplice was also asked by the police.

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Friday, October 8, 2010

Cockfighting evidence found in meth lab bust: Camden, OH (US)-9 Sep, 2010

Case Details

Date of the event:Thursday, September 9, 2010
State/Province:Preble


Sale:Alleged


Claimed: Johnny C. Tackett


A Camden man was arrested Thursday after authorities found marijuana plants, items that are used in the production of meth and proof of cock fighting on his property.


Johnny C. Tackett, 59, was arrested on charges of possession of drugs and Assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.He is being held in detention in the County jail awaiting Preble tapeless should not be neglected.


Authorities of the Preble County Sheriff's Office, the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Office of the criminal investigations carried out a search warrant at 2: 25 pm on a farm in the block of 3000 of paint Creek-Four Mile Road Northwest of Camden after a part of the Aviation of the Butler County Sheriff's Office 15 suspect spotted marijuana plants.


According to a press release issued Tackett authorities permission for the search of a barn on the property. After finding evidence of suspected drug activities, members obtained a search warrant for the entire company.


Authorities found a tank with anhydrous ammonia and other material in accordance with the production of meth in a barn. they also recovered a small amount of meth from the barn.


They found in the basement of the House on the property equipment supposed to be used for growing marijuana and proof that the cock fight in the field.

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Neglected, a dead Dogs fighting suspected: Nicholasville, KY (US)-29 september 2010

Case Details

Date of the event:Wednesday, September 29, 2010
State/Province:Jessamine


Sale:Alleged


Claimed: Marty Stevens


A man jessamine County, Kentucky faces animal cruelty charges after different animals were found in poor health in what can an operation of dog fighting, said officials.


Jessamine County Sheriff's Office delegates to Marty Stevens home in 1718 Kissing Ridge Road, approximately 4 hours Wednesday for an arrest warrant to him to load with the first degree burglary in Garrard County, said Chief Deputy All Peel.


Stevens, 40, was not in the House, but Sheriff's members contacted jessamine County, Kentucky Animal Control when she said, peel the animals.


"It seemed like they dying and hunger and neglected," he said.


Stevens has been charged with the ten points of the second degree animal cruelty, animal control officer Frank Ruggiero. Stevens, said that are not on Thursday afternoon, additional charges after the investigation is complete, he said.


A puppy was found dead in the House, said Ruggiero.


He said that there is 11 pit bulls, two Chihuahua mix, 3 puppies and a Jack Russell Terrier in the garden. the animals were taken to the jessamine County, Kentucky SAVE Center, an animal shelter for dogs and cats in Nicholasville, Kentucky.


The animals are in "very bad shape," said Ruggiero. pit bulls are at least 15 pounds underweight.


"All animals were infested with fleas beyond belief," said Ruggiero.


Ruggiero said several items found in the garden-including a treadmill-to indicate that there may be a dogfighting operation would there are seemed.


"It turned out that the dogs were conditioned for dog fighting purposes," he said.


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Dog beaten to death with baseball bats *-updated on 3 October 2010: South Bend, IN (US)

Case Details

Date of the event:Wednesday, August 4, 2010
State/Province:St. Joseph


Rates:Crime, Felony CTA
Sale:Alleged


Claimed: Gerald McKinley


Case updates: 1 update (s) available

A caller called the police Wednesday night with a disturbing story: it sounds like someone is beating death of a dog in the garden next door.


What police say they found was even more disturbing: a 40-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy in the backyard of a house in the block 5000 Greenleaf Lane, near Washington High School, not digging a grave for a dog, but dead.


Police and animal control officials say the dog--a young pit bull named Bootsie--had been beaten bloody and lifeless with two baseball bats, after the said to be the 14-year-old bit on the leg.


By the time officers came, the two men--police not yet released their names because it hasn't been charged with a crime--were almost the completion of the grave and thought the dog was dead.


The police also found two blood-covered baseball bats at the Tomb, said South Bend Police Sergeant Chuck Stokes, who was on the scene.


The dog was under two heavy blankets and "hardly breathe," said Stokes.


One of the dog of the eyeballs, and her face was bloody and distorted the bat strikes.


The dog tried to stand up when Stokes the covers, but it may not be broken ribs and legs, according to Stokes.


Stokes estimated the freshly dug grave was 5-feet deep.


"They thought they would beat the dog dead and buried him in the back yard," he said.


South Bend animal control officials decided the dog the injuries were too strict and the animal was dropped.


According to reports from the police were at least seven people-including the 40 and 14-year-olds-the at home while the dog was hit, but the animal or the police were not contacted by everyone in the House.


Gary Libbey, South Bend Animal Control manager, said that the dog is said to have belonged to the 14-year-old the mother.


Stokes said the 14-year-old admitted to the defeat of the dog, but the Juvenile Justice Center refused to keep him because he is not a long history of criminal.


Libbey said a report was forwarded to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office on Friday and he was told costs as early as next week could be filed. it is not yet known whether the two suspects would be crime or felony charges.


The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office filed against Friday against Gerald McKinley, 40, of South Bend, in the context of the August 4, beating a pit bull in a house in the 5000 block Greenleaf Street.

The cost followed an investigation by South Bend Police and the results of a necropsy on 17 September, according to a press release.


McKinley is in charge of an animal, a class d felony and animal cruelty, a class a misdemeanor mutilation.


His band was set at € 1000, and an arrest warrant was issued for his arrest.


According to the police, was the pit bull named Bootsie beaten to death with baseball bats. they found that the dog hardly breathe under the covers in the backyard, and a freshly dug grave in the vicinity.


The dog was because of the severity of his injuries, according to officials of the animal shall be dropped.


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Miniature horses neglected *-updated 3 October 2010: Freeport, FL (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Aug 20, 2010
County: Walton
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 5 files available
Alleged:
» Nicholas William Sconiers
» Jessica Sconiers
Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

When Champ arrived at the animal refuge in Alaqua he had hit rock bottom and needed help to get back on his hooves.
The 2-year-old miniature horse was 170 pounds underweight when he was seized from his Freeport owners and brought to Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge. When Champ first arrived on Aug. 20, he couldn't stand up on his own. Once he was up, he barely had the strength to hold up what was left of him, weighing in at 80 pounds.
"He had sores all over from his bones rubbing against the ground," said Dave Henderson, the first veterinarian on the scene.
Henderson, who can usually be found working at Village Vet here in Destin, got the call from Hood around noon and made it out to Freeport to treat the malnourished mini by 2 p.m.
When he arrived in Freeport that Friday, he got right to work on the little guy, performing a slew of standard tests ruling out all possibilities that his extreme weight was from any problems within. Henderson found no real issues, which confirmed what the team felt was pretty clear from the start -- he was simply starving.
"As soon as we put food in front of him he starting munching down right away," said Henderson.
Determining whether or not the original owners will face criminal charges is still up in the air, but for Hood it's not the most important issue at hand.
"If it was intentional, then I hope there is punishment," she said. "But these cases get thrown out for so many different reasons… If anything, I just want to let people know what's going on so they can get mad too."
For now, Hood's main concern is getting Champ solidly back on his feet.
When The Log caught up with Hood and Champ last Wednesday, just about two weeks after his rescue, he was doing much better.
"I just can't believe he is walking around," said Walton County Animal Control Officer Joe Everett, who was also at the refuge last week.
Everett hadn't seen Champ since he first helped bring him to Hood. He said he couldn't believe the progress he's made.
Champ did a few circles around his pen while Hood gathered up some feed. She dumped it in his bowl and within seconds it was gone. She continued to share his story while letting him lick the food scoop from her hand. It's obvious he was still hungry, but it's important to feed him in tiny amounts.
"Horses can't control their appetites, and they will overeat and get belly aches causing a whole bunch more problems," said Henderson. "It's going to take about six months for him to gain all the weight he needs, averaging about 2-to-3 pounds per week."
Hood, who has helped many animals bounce back from near starvation, has seen the rewards first hand of nursing an animal back to life. Committed to help Champ's will to survive, she stayed with him the first four nights he arrived in the barn, feeding him every few hours.
"We brushed out his hair, and once he fills out a little more, his sheen will come back," she said.
With Champ gaining weight and strength everyday, Hood updates his status almost daily on the Alaqua Animal Refuge Facebook page.
To find out how to help the shelter, see www.aarflorida.com.

The man accused of abusing a miniature horse was arrested Thursday evening and charged with cruelty toward an animal.
Nicholas William Sconiers, 28, was picked up at his home in DeFuniak Springs and taken to Walton County Jail. He was released on $5,000 bond Friday morning after his first court appearance, according to a news release from the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
Champ, Sconiers' 2-year-old miniature horse, was taken to Alaqua Animal Refuge on Aug. 20 after sheriff's deputies found him in a nearly bare pen on Sconier's property.
Champ weighed only 80 pounds when it should have weighed about 300 pounds, said Laurie Hood, Alaqua's owner.
The horse arrived at the animal refuge lying down, a sign of being near death. Every rib was showing and it had no strength to speak of, Hood said.
"He is the worst case I've ever seen," Hood said. "Usually, when they are as bad as he was, we euthanize the animal."
The Sheriff's Office initially tried to charge Sconiers in August with felony animal cruelty after a veterinarian determined Champ's condition was caused solely by lack of food. The state attorney's office prepared an arrest warrant, but Walton County Circuit Judge Kelvin Wells rejected it.
The Sheriff's Office submitted a second warrant that lowered the offense to a misdemeanor, but County Judge David Green refused to sign it.
The state attorney's office eventually filed the charge directly, based on a second veterinary investigation and animal health rating.
"It's not rare for us to file directly," said Assistant State Attorney Greg Anchors. "It's done typically when there's probable cause."
Anchors said the miniature horse was given a health rating of 1. A healthy horse would be rated a 6.
If convicted, Sconiers could be sentenced up to five years in prison.
The Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services investigated the case.
Sconiers' next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 16.
Meanwhile, Champ is "over the hump," said Hood.
"He's doing great," she said. "He's going to survive against all odds."
Hood said because of the horse's small size and because she was up for a challenge, she decided to look after Champ.
Hood said she had to feed him eight small meals a day. Overfeeding him would have stressed the horse's body and likely would have killed him.
"We slowly had to build back his strength," she said. "Now, his future is wonderful as far as his health is concerned."
Champ now runs around the animal refuge's property and is eating larger meals each day, Hood said.
The horse will not be put up for adoption until the court officially puts Champ in Alaqua's care, she added. If that happens, Hood said she will try to find him a good home.
"He's such a cute little horse," she said. "He's a hero to all of us."
The Sheriff's Office brought the underweight and emaciated horse to the Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, where his health has greatly improved.
The court has dropped felony animal cruelty charges against Champ's owner, but some are worried he may be heading back to his old home.
It didn't take long for word to spread, as evidenced by the 220+ Facebook messages that poured-in.
"The judge has denied or rejected the warrant for the owners' arrest. There are no charges at this time. The judge has rejected those. If things stay the way they are now, then yes, the horse could be returned to his owner" says Camile Cox with the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities brought Champ to the Alaqua Animal Refuge last month suffering from severe starvation.
They say he was the likely victim of animal cruelty by his owners, DeFuniak Springs residents Nicholas and Jessica Sconiers.
Jessica Sconiers also happens to work at the courthouse.
Using bloodwork results, a vet assessed Champ's health and determined his emaciated state was not due to a medical condition.
But in a court of law, the difference between animal cruelty felony charges and misdemeanor charges is based on intent.
Because the Sconiers' had three other rather healthy horses at their home at the time, the intentional infliction associated with a felony may be seen as a denial/neglect case, making it more suitable as a misdemeanor.
However, Greg Anchors with the State Attorney's Office believed they had enough evidence to prosecute the case as a felony.
"We felt like the appropriate charge had been sent, but also felt that the statutes were very close and overlapped and we could certainly understand why the court felt like we should re-submit it as a misdemeanor".
The Sheriff's Office is currently in the process of re-submitting the lesser charge.
Champ's supporters are hoping that will keep the Sconiers' from taking him back.
"We just hope the judge will re-evaulate the evidence and take a second look, because we do believe there was enough evidence to bring charges" says Laurie Hood, founder of the Alaqua Animal Refuge.
Hood says Champ is doing much better and is now able to eat, drink, and stand on his own.
When a Walton County judge rejected a request for a warrant to bring charges of animal abuse against a Walton County man for allegedly starving a mini-horse, the community was up in arms.
A cry of protest rang out from users of Facebook and through e-mail Wednesday after Alaqua Animal Refuge called on its more than 7,000 followers to "be the voice for this animal -- his life depends on it."
To see a photo gallery of the animal at Alaqua, click here.
"We're requesting the judge review the evidence again," said Alaqua owner Laurie Hood, "but I don't know if he will. Since no charges are being brought against the owner, there is the chance he could come to claim him."
When reached for comment, County Judge David Green said rules and guidelines prohibit him from discussing or commenting on a case before him.
"I can say, though, that we look at the whole picture and we have to do what is right instead of what is popular," said Green Wednesday afternoon.
However, according to Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, the evidence was strong enough that he and State Attorney Greg Anchors had asked for a felony warrant against the horse's owner.
The request was denied and Adkinson and Anchors resubmitted, requesting a misdemeanor warrant, which was denied on Wednesday.
"Historically, I know that animal abuse cases are hard to prosecute, but we felt we had a strong enough case or we wouldn't have asked for it," Adkinson told The Sun.
Atkinson said the judge gave him no reason for the denial.
"I suspect it has to do with the way the laws are written," said Adkinson.
But many in the community said it was a clear case of injustice. They maintain that the horse owner's spouse is a county employee, and was given special treatment.
For his part, Anchors told The Sun "I understand" the wife works for the county.
Green, however, said he wasn't aware of such a relationship and even if one exists, he would not give them special consideration.
The horse in question was taken to Alaqua Animal Refuge by animal control on Aug. 20 so badly malnourished that it weighed 80 pounds and could not stand. According to a vet at the center, he should have weighed between 250 and 300 pounds. He was found lying in dirt with no food or water.
Blood was drawn for testing to check for disease. Tests showed his liver and kidneys were fine and that he was only malnourished.
Hood slept in the barn with the horse she named Champ for the first few nights so that she could feed him every two hours.
"He was so weak that when he tried to stand, he would fall," said Hood.
As of Wednesday, the miniature horse had gained 20 pounds and could again run and frolick outside.
While residents, online and in person call for action, Adkinson said there is no next step since the judge has rejected two requests for a warrant.
"I just would like to see Champ's future as it should be," said Hood. "It's an emotional thing for me."
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