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CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #1373 Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Dog severely neglected, left on trash pile
Fayetteville, NC (US)Incident Date: Friday, Feb 28, 2003
County: Cumberland
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 5 files available
Defendant/Suspect: Patrick Jackson
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
On February 28, a 5 year old male dane, named Handsome, was found on top of a trash pile. He was emaciated, covered in bleeding sores, and had lost 95% of his hair due to demodex that was not treated. Handsome had eye infections and ear infections. He also has an enlarged spleen and a heart murmor. He looked like a walking dead dog. He smelled awful, and when he first came into rescue his flesh was rotting and falling off of him.
"I have never seen a living animal look so bad, said Michelle Fitzgerald, who is caring for Handsome. "He looked like a walking dead dog.''
The dog, who looks to be about 5 years old, weighed only 72 pounds, less than half what a dog his size should weigh. The malnourishment he suffered not only caused his hair to fall out but damaged some of his internal organs.
Under the veterinarian's care, Handsome gradually regained some of his weight and strength, to the point where Fitzgerald was able to take him home. It will be up to six months before the dog is fully recovered.
Signs of his ordeal remain. Handsome has to wear a sweatshirt most of the time, to keep his nearly hairless body warm. He itches constantly, but can't always raise his weakened leg enough to scratch himself.
Donations can be sent, in care of Handsome, to Cross Creek Animal Hospital, 2147 Skibo Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314. Anyone interested in adopting Handsome can reach Fitzgerald at 487-3200.
Whoever adopts Handsome will have to be a special person. The dog is likely to have some health concerns the rest of his life. It's uncertain if all his hair will grow back.
The defendant in this case is Patrick Jackson. Mr. Jackson is allegedly claiming that he did not do this to Handsome and claims that he gave the dog away in January to someone and that he was healthy at that time.
Case UpdatesNext court date is June. There is growing concern over the prosecution of this case, as Mr. Jackson claims he has done what he can to remedy the problem by turning over Handsome's puppies to us and that he no longer has dogs (hence, in his mind, problem resolved). Additionally, the animal control officer failed to appear at the last court date.
If you wish to express your feelings on this case to the ADA, you may write to:
North Carolina District Attorney's Office
12th Prosecutorial District
Assistant District Attorney David H. Phillips
117 Dick Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301 | | Update posted on May 16, 2003 - 6:58PM |
References« NC State Animal Cruelty Map
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