Share:

Case Snapshot

Case ID: 13678

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

More cases in Jefferson County, ID

More cases in ID

« Back to Search Results

Login to Watch this Case

Images for this Case

all 1 media files »

Dog tethered for 11 years, neglected
Lewisville, ID (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008
County: Jefferson

Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Leon Matejka

The president of the upper valley humane society is speaking out about a recent case of animal abuse. The dog we're talking about was allegedly chained up for more than a decade. And today local news talked with the president of the humane society, who tells Eyewitness News she wants justice.

"The dog was in poor shape."

Three weeks ago, the Upper Valley Humane Society rescued this guy...now named Murphy.

"The dog had been out there 11 years because as a puppy, he chewed up something in the house."

So his owner named him Shredder...and according to the Humane Society, not only chained his dog outside, but wasn't feeding him enough.

"The blood work indicates the only thing wrong with him is that he hasn't been fed well."

Andi Elliot is the president of the Upper Valley Humane Society, she got the tip about Murphy, so she investigated, and that's when the owner turned him over to her.

"His rear end was weak, he would kind of fall, kind of stumble at some times."

In the last few weeks Murphy has been cared for by a member of the humane society, and he's gained around 10 pounds...getting closer to a healthy weight of 80 pounds, versus the 49 pounds when they rescued him.

"She said he's so appreciative of anything you do and so afraid to do anything wrong."

"It makes you sad, cause his whole life he's been at the end of that chain."

Elliott dedicates all her spare time rescuing animals like Murphy...and she wants things in Idaho to change.

"We need enforcement, we need to enforce the laws that are on the books."

References

• « Back to Search Results
  
  « More cases in Jefferson County, ID

  Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.
  
  For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.