Charges of animal cruelty and dog license and rabies violations were dropped on Dec 12 against a senior couple and their son.
A judge dismissed the charges because humane agents couldn't prove which one of them was supposed to be caring for a dog that was found tethered to a tree for so long that the chain became embedded in its neck.
Ernie the dog was in bad shape when humane agents got the call that the Grapeville family had been neglecting him. Ernie was tethered to a tree with no collar, just a chain.
Neighbors identified the dog's owners as the Cottrell family.
Surgery costing thousands of dollars was performed on Ernie to remove the chain, and humane agents want the Cottrells to pay for it.
The family refused to testify at the hearing on Monday, so humane agents said they'll be forced to refile the charges against whoever owns the home Ernie was found at.
Dog law claims property owners are responsible for animals on their land.
Humane agents didn't have that information in time for the hearing but said they got it shortly after. The deed in the county tax office said Robert and Eleanor Cottrell are the owners.
Humane agents believe the senior couple moved out months ago and was relying on their son to care for the dog.
But, they'll be the ones to face a judge again.
Ernie is doing much better. His neck is healing and he has a new home.
The Cottrells offered to pay for Ernie's medical expenses if humane agents would agree to drop the charges, but humane agents wouldn't agree.
They expect to refile the charges this month. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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