Dog starved, covered in infected growths
Boynton Beach, FL (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 1, 2009
County: Palm Beach
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged: Josephine Brandle
Lola seemed like a happy dog, wagging her tail at a stranger and pushing her nose against a chain link door for attention. Despite the infected skin and growths that covered the Labrador's bony body, she had a peaceful demeanor Friday morning at the Boynton Beach Animal Control kennel.
Animal control supervisor Liz Roehrich stroked Lola under the chin and spoke to her in the excited voice people usually use for animals.
Josephine Brandle, 54, was Lola's owner until she signed her over to animal control authorities Friday, the day after she was released from the Palm Beach County Jail. She is charged with one count of felony animal cruelty.
At the kennel Friday, a bowl of dog food was placed in front of Lola and she dived in.
"She was totally deprived of nourishment," Roehrich said. "This would be [like] a slow death for the animal."
Brandle was arrested Wednesday night in Boynton Beach while walking Lola after a police officer noticed the dog's emaciated state.
Brandle told police she could not afford to take the dog to a veterinarian and did not have dog food. She fed the dog ramen noodles instead, police said. Brandle's son, Thomas, said his mother, a waitress, fed the dog steak and chicken. He said police exaggerated Lola's condition.
Lola, who is between 3 and 5, was brought to Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control west of West Palm Beach on Friday afternoon for an examination, rehabilitation and hopefully adoption, animal control Capt. David Walesky said.
Lola will now eat three small meals a day to get her used to nourishment, Walesky said.
"If an animal goes a long time without eating, the system gets used to that, " Walesky said.
If Lola is in otherwise good health, Walesky said, she could be ready for adoption in a couple of weeks.
Because Lola has a loving attitude, Walesky said, it means she was once loved. Dogs tend to maintain their loyalty, he said, and are able to adapt to the uncomfortable conditions of a shelter.
"Most of the dogs that come through here are friendly," Walesky said. "Most of the cats that come here are not as friendly." References |
