Attorneys/Judges
| Prosecutor(s): | Larry Sinclair | | Judge(s): | Forrest Phifer |
Dog severely neglected
Rusk, TX (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jan 2, 2009
County: Cherokee
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: John Hallmark
Rusk Municipal Court made history Monday by holding a hearing in an animal seizure case.
"This is the first time the city has ever held a hearing of this nature, to my knowledge," City Judge Forrest Phifer said.
The hearing was set after a Rusk police officer seized resident John Hallmark's dog Jan. 2 after observing evidence of the canine's gross neglect. Hallmark did not appear at the hearing, held in the City Council chambers at Rusk City Hall.
"I urge the court to proceed," City Prosecutor Larry Sinclair said. "The evidence indicates to me this matter needs to advance."
Sinclair submitted to the court as evidence the initial report concerning the seizure, photos of the dog and medical reports issued by the veterinarian who administered care to the dog at the time of the seizure and housed the pet since Jan. 2.
Veterinarian reports state the dog, whose name is shown to be Woofie on records from the animal clinic, "is missing most of the fur on the legs, stomach and neck and some fur from the back and the skin of affected areas is scabbed or raw; is emaciated to the point its ribs and backbone are highly visible; and is emitting a sick smell."
Phifer ruled Hallmark would reimburse the city $361.09 for the expense of medical care and housing the dog since Jan. 2, plus transportation and admittance fee to the Klein Animal Shelter in Jacksonville. Hallmark has 30 days to make that reimbursement and has appelate rights to the fullest extent of the law.
Hallmark was unavailable for comment as of presstime today.
The city of Rusk is granted jurisdiction in the case by section 821 of the Texas Code of Health and Safety. References |
