Dog neglected, infested with maggots, dies
Urbana, IL (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009
County: Champaign

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Kara Gossett

An Urbana woman is set to be back in Champaign County Circuit Court in September after being charged with letting a dog become so ill that it had to be euthanized.

Kara Gossett, 49, who listed an address in the 400 block of East Illinois Street, was arraigned Wednesday on two misdemeanor counts -- breach of owner's duties and cruel treatment -- that allege that between July 15 and 18, she failed to provide enough food or water for a 12-year-old shepherd mix and allowed it to lie on the ground for days while maggots infested its body.

State's Attorney Julia Rietz said Urbana police were called to Gossett's house on July 18 because the dog could be heard barking and crying. Police found the dog, unable to move and whimpering in pain, with no food, water or shelter nearby, lying in its own feces.

The dog, named Spirit, was taken to the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Clinic, where it was euthanized because of its condition.

Judge Richard Klaus allowed Gossett to remain free on her own recognizance.

References

• News-Gazette - July 29, 2009

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