Attorneys/Judges
| Prosecutor(s): | Steve Wagstaffe |
Nineteen dogs seized from breeder
San Bruno, CA (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Mar 14, 2009
County: San Mateo
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Carol Giani
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
A San Bruno woman was charged with three counts of misdemeanor animal neglect after a welfare check turned up 19 shi tzu dogs in a foul-smelling residence with varied health conditions which required two of the dogs to be euthanized, according to prosecutors.
On March 14, San Bruno police discovered the dogs living in the home of Carol Giani, 71, after the property manager noticed a foul smell later linked to urine-soaked carpets and flooring, said Peninsula Humane Society spokesman Scott Delucchi.
PHS seized the dogs which were in varied states of disarray including matted hair, rotten teeth, severe skin irritations and tumors.
One dog had a tumor the size of a grapefruit, Delucchi said.
Giani agreed that two dogs should be euthanized and voluntarily surrendered two others. Another dog died a few days later and Giani contested the seizure of the remaining animals.
A number of the dogs are elderly or have special needs but PHS hopes to adopt out some of the others either directly or through rescue groups, Delucchi said.
Prosecutors charged Giani with one count of animal neglect for each of the two dogs euthanized and another count encapsulating the welfare of the remaining animals.
Giani is scheduled for arraignment May 6 and remains free from custody on her own recognizance.
While the court case is in its infancy, Delucchi said a plea deal may be reached in which Giani is able to take back a more manageable number of her pets.
A previous welfare check on Giani turned up seven dogs but all were in good condition, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
Case UpdatesThe San Bruno dog owner charged with misdemeanor animal neglect after 19 shi tzus were confiscated from the cramped, urine-soaked home she shared with them declined a plea bargain Friday and heads to trial in October.
Carol Giani, 70, has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor animal neglect. Prosecutors would not release details of the negotiated settlement offered but said Giani opted for trial Oct. 26.
Giani was charged after a welfare check turned up 19 shi tzu dogs in a foul-smelling residence with varied health conditions which required two of the dogs to be euthanized, according to prosecutors.
The Peninsula Humane Society took the dogs but two had to be put down, one died on his own and the others remain in its care while authorities determine if some can be adopted or a smaller number returned to Giani at the conclusion of her criminal case, according to spokesman Scott Delucchi.
Delucchi said the dogs had varied medical issues, including rotten teeth and tumors, and some were quite geriatric -- which could make adoption challenging. Giani reportedly surrendered two of the animals voluntarily but is challenging the seizure of the others.
Prosecutors charged Giani with one count of animal neglect for each of the two dogs euthanized and another count encapsulating the welfare of the remaining animals. | Source: The Daily Journal - Aug 28, 2009
Update posted on Aug 30, 2009 - 8:46PM |
The San Bruno dog owner charged with misdemeanor animal neglect after 19 shi tzus were confiscated from the cramped, urine-soaked home she shared with them pleaded not guilty to the three charges yesterday.
Carol Giani, 70, asked for a court-appointed attorney and waived her right to a speedy trial. Giani, who is free from custody on her own recognizance, returns to court July 13 for a pretrial conference followed by trial June 23.
Giani was charged with misdemeanor animal neglect after a welfare check turned up 19 shi tzu dogs in a foul-smelling residence with varied health conditions which required two of the dogs to be euthanized, according to prosecutors.
The Peninsula Humane Society took the dogs but two had to be put down, one died on his own and the others remain in its care while authorities determine if some can be adopted or a smaller number returned to Giani at the conclusion of her criminal case, according to spokesman Scott Delucchi.
Delucchi said the dogs had varied medical issues, including rotten teeth and tumors, and some were quite geriatric â€" which could make adoption challenging. Giani reportedly voluntarily surrendered two of the animals but is challenging the seizure of the others.
Prosecutors charged Giani with one count of animal neglect for each of the two dogs euthanized and another count encapsulating the welfare of the remaining animals. | Source: San Mateo Daily Journal - May 7, 2009
Update posted on May 9, 2009 - 12:40AM |
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