Mr. Ackerman was home at time of investigation. He accompanied the agent to view the dogs. Upon nearing dogs, Mr. Ackerman stated that the dogs were well nourished. When the agent noted the weight of the dogs, Mr. Ackerman stated that there was nothing wrong with them as far as he could see, and that when agents previously saw the dogs they had been �too fat to even walk� so of course they looked smaller.
When the agent questioned Mr. Ackerman about the wounds on the Doberman he stated that the dog was �doing that to himself� and that he had noticed it before but hadn�t felt the need to seek veterinary care for the dog. At this time a compliance form requiring Mr. Ackerman to seek veterinary care for both dogs was given, as well as a verbal and written warning for failing to provide vet care. Mr. Ackerman was instructed to call agent by 10am with the Vets name and date/time of appointment, and appointment was needed in a quick time frame (3/14-3/15). Photos were taken of the dogs at this time.
Officer arrives and assists Agent to remove dogs from pens. Officer states he feels ill from looking at wounds on Doberman. At this time a Removal for Veterinary Care form was left in the dog pen door. Dogs are taken to the SPCA. Upon arrival at the SPCA the dogs are photographed and weighed. Within two hours are examined by a vet. A fecal exam was preformed on both dogs. Titan tested a low positive for hookworms, an intestinal parasite that could effect weight gain, but not in such a rapid manor. Zeus tested negative for all intestinal parasites. Mr. Ackerman said he couldn�t believe we were making such a big deal of two dogs. Vet stated that the dogs were emaciated, and there was no cause for the weight of the Doberman besides not being fed. She felt that even though the mastiff was positive for parasites his weight was more of a reflection of not being fed than that of a parasite-induced weight problem.
Weights upon entering SPCA (3/14/03): ZEUS - 57.0 pounds TITAN - 67.0
Weights as of 4/29/03 5PM: ZEUS - 80.7 pounds TITAN - 109.4
Gain in 2 weeks time: +23.7 pounds +42.4 pounds
See pictures. (a few are "Day of court" photos that show the in-progress recouping dogs) Case Updates| Posted on May 20, 2003 - 12:05PM | Ackerman was sentenced May 19, 2003 to 100 hours of community service with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Maybe in doing so, he can develop an empathy if not sympathy toward animals," Municipal Judge John Kasper said. In addition, Kasper imposed a $500 fine on Henry Ackerman. Ackerman also will have to pay $30 in court fees, and restitution to the SPCA for caring for his two dogs.
The judge gave the SPCA the custody of the dogs, despite Ackerman's request that they be returned to him.
Read More: Press of Atlantic City |
References | Press of Atlantic City | | Court Summons #s PCA-03-001894 PCA-03-001895 404 |
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