Dog starved, resulting in death - Chesapeake, VA

Friday, Dec 7, 2007

On December 3, 2007 at 2:30 p.m., Chesapeake Animal Control Officer (ACO) K. M. Perry was dispatched to a home in the 2000 block of Dellwood Road. She was directed to check the condition of a black dog at this residence. The dog in the yard had a body score of 4.75 using the Purina Scale, and he had water. ACO Perry left a notice for the owner stating the nature of the complaint.

She contacted the complainant, who was a veterinarian at Brentwood Animal Hospital located at 1236 N. George Washington Highway. Dr. Ann Macanga advised her that she had Border Collie at the clinic that was in very bad condition. This dog belonged to the people living at the address Perry had just left, and she had wanted to be certain that the other dog was not in the same condition.

ACO Perry responded to Brentwood Veterinary Hospital, where she was shown a male Border Collie named "Oreo". Dr. Macanga stated that Mr. Joseph Quattlebaum brought the dog to the hospital on November 30, 2007. Records indicated that the dog weighed 23 lbs. at that time. At first, Dr. Macanga stated, Oreo ate for her and her staff and had actually gained 5lbs. Now the dog was not eating or drinking, and she believed that he had neurological damage due to its condition. Dr. Macanga stated the dog weighed 60lbs in July of 2007. He had lost over 60% of his body weight. ACO Perry seized the dog and transported him to Midway Veterinary Hospital for a second opinion on Oreo's condition. Dr. Ruth Ann McQueen examined Oreo and recommended euthanasia due to his condition. Oreo was euthanized at 4:00 pm.

ACO Perry spoke with Mr. Quattlebaum the following day. He stated that his 10-year-old son was responsible for feeding the dogs when he came home from school activities. He also stated that the other dog was food aggressive.

On December 28, 2007 both Joseph and Virginia Quattlebaum agreed to an interview with ACO Perry and Animal Control Superintendent K. J. Strouse. Both subjects signed Miranda waivers and agreed to speak. ACO Perry told them that Oreo's body had been sent to Ivor Regional Laboratory for a necropsy. As part of her investigation, ACO Perry also interviewed neighbors. Two of them agreed to testify on behalf of any prosecution in this case.

The necropsy report from the Ivor Regional Laboratory prepared by Dr. Barry Dawkins stated that there was an absence of fat around the heart and kidneys of the dog. Because bone marrow fat is the last fat to be depleted from the body, a test on a section of bone was performed. The result indicated a fat content of only 14%. A normal finding would be greater than 60%.

Based on statements of witnesses, statements made by the defendants, and the laboratory reports, ACO Perry charged Virginia and Joseph Quattlebaum with cruelty to animals on February 15, 2008.

The case was continued a number of times. It was finally heard by Judge Bruce Kushner in Chesapeake Circuit Court on April 28, 2009, docket numbers 08-861 08-862. Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Amy James represented the State. A number of witnesses testified including Dr. MacQueen, Dr. Macanga, Dr. Dawkins, ACO Perry, Superintendent Strouse, neighbors, the defendants and their friends and family.

Both defendants were found guilty of cruelty to animals. Each received 30 days in jail, with all time suspended. They were each fined $250 and ordered to perform 240 hours of community service in an animal care setting. A condition of the suspended sentence and probation is that both defendants cooperate with regular inspections by Animal Control of the other dogs at their home. Judge Kushner set a return date of November 2009 for verification of compliance with their sentences.

References

• Chesapeake Circuit Court - docket numbers 08-861 08-862

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