Dog left with open sores, infected wounds
Daly City, CA (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jan 23, 2009
County: San Mateo
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Defendants/Suspects:
» Donald Lockett - Dismissed
» Betty Lockett
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
A couple who left their 10-year-old German shepherd, Raven, suffering with open sores and infected wounds said they were financially strapped and didn't believe in veterinary care, according to prosecutors who charged them with misdemeanor animal neglect.
Betty and Donald Lockett, 57, of Daly City, are both scheduled to appear for arraignment June 2 in South San Francisco. Betty Lockett's age was not available. They remain free from custody on their own recognizance.
The Peninsula Humane Society received a digital photo of Raven via its complaint address on its Web site in mid-January and contacted the couple for further investigation, said PHS spokesman Scott Delucchi.
The dog was 10 years old but looked 21 years old and was euthanized at PHS because he was in such poor health, Delucchi said.
After the veterinarian completed the necropsy, the case was forwarded to the District Attorney's Office which decided to file charges.
Case UpdatesA couple who prosecutors say left their 10-year-old German shepherd Raven suffering with open sores and infected wounds because of financial concerns resolved the case yesterday â€" one by having the case dismissed and the other pleading no contest to misdemeanor animal neglect.
Betty Lockett pleaded no contest in return for a maximum of 10 days jail and probation when she is sentenced July 22. Charges were dismissed against her husband, Donald.
The District Attorney's Office only required one half the couple to accept a plea settlement, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
The change of heart vacated a scheduled June 22 jury trial and the possibility of up to a year in jail.
The District Attorney's Office lodged the criminal charge against the Locketts after receiving the case from the Peninsula Humane Society. PHS received a digital photo of Raven via its complaint address on its Web site in mid-January and contacted the couple for further investigation, according to PHS spokesman Scott Delucchi.
Raven was a 10-year-old German shepherd but looked 21 because he was in such poor health, Delucchi said.
The dog had clouded eyes, an emaciated frame, hair missing around a bandage on an open sore and live maggots living in his left ear canal, according to the prosecution.
The last record of medical treatment was in August 2005 for the dog which had an incurable skin condition, Wagstaffe said.
He was ultimately euthanized and the Locketts charged after the necropsy.
The couple allegedly told authorities they were financially strapped and didn't think a veterinarian could help. Instead, they wanted the dog to die naturally at home, Wagstaffe said.
They remain free from custody on their own recognizance. | Source: San Mateo Daily Journal - Jun 11, 2009
Update posted on Jun 11, 2009 - 11:04AM |
A couple who prosecutors say left their 10-year-old German shepherd, Raven, suffering with open sores and infected wounds because of financial concerns pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor animal neglect and will stand trial later this month.
Betty and Donald Lockett, 57, of Daly City, appeared in the South San Francisco courthouse on the single charge and asked for court-appointed attorneys. Each pleaded not guilty and did not waive their right to a speedy trial. They return to court June 10 for a pretrial conference and June 22 for a jury trial.
The District Attorney's Office lodged the criminal charge against the Locketts after receiving the case from the Peninsula Humane Society. PHS received a digital photo of Raven via its complaint address on its Web site in mid-January and contacted the couple for further investigation, according to PHS spokesman Scott Delucchi.
Raven was a 10-year-old German shepherd but looked 21 because he was in such poor health, Delucchi.
The dog had clouded eyes, an emaciated frame, hair missing around a bandage on an open sore and live maggots living in his left ear canal, according to the prosecution.
The last record of medical treatment was in August 2005 for the dog which has an incurable skin condition, Wagstaffe said.
He was ultimately euthanized and the Locketts charged after the necropsy.
The couple allegedly told authorities they were financially strapped and didn't think a veterinarian could help. Instead, they wanted the dog to die naturally at home, Wagstaffe said.
Ill animals or those whose owners can no longer afford them can be surrendered to PHS.
If convicted, the Locketts each face up to a year in jail for the misdemeanor.
They remain free from custody on their own recognizance. | Source: San Mateo Daily Journal - Jun 4, 2009
Update posted on Jun 4, 2009 - 11:19AM |
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