Dogs (17) confiscated from couple
Cascade, MT (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Feb 1, 1998
County: Cascade
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Michael Dowry
» Becky Dowry
Michael and Becky Dowry have each been charged with 17 counts for allegedly leaving the dogs without food and/or water at their second residence located west of Cascade. The dogs were confiscated on Monday, Feb 2, by sheriff's deputies. Becky Dowry stated she didn't know the seventeen dogs had been seized until Thursday, Feb 5. The couple checked on the dogs and said they fed them weekly.
On Feb 6, the Cascade County prosecutors denied a request to return the dogs to Michael and Becky Dowry. They are facing 34 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Animal cruelty misdemeanor could carry a maximum $500 fine and six months in jail.
A decision on whether they can get their dogs back won't be made until the charges filed against them can be settled. County Attorney Brant Light said, "I want to make sure they have an absolutely safe environment and they are cared for and loved."
The vice president of the Humane Society, Dona Mellot, was present when the dogs were confiscated. She said the living conditions were apalling and there was approximatley six inches of feces in some areas of the makeshift kennel. "The dogs just smelled filthy. Their bellies were bloated from worms. How can you feed 17 dogs once a week?"
Michael and Becky Dowry must make an initial appearance in Justice Court on the charges, but no date has been set. References- Associated Press - The Billings Gazette, Feb 7, 1998
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