Attorneys/Judges
| Defense(s): | John Lindsey | | Judge(s): | Vincent Versaci |
Dog's broken leg left untreated
Schenectady, NY (US)Incident Date: Monday, Nov 2, 2009
County: Schenectady
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Elizabeth Moshier
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A Schenectady woman is facing misdemeanor charges after the SPCA said she neglected her injured puppy.
According to the Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Elizabeth Moshier, 28, took her 6-month-old pit bull to the Aqueduct Animal Hospital in Niskayuna with a broken leg on Oct. 22. Moshier couldn't afford treatment for the puppy, so she left.
A veterinarian followed up with Moshier on Nov. 2 and expressed concern that she had yet to help the dog who was still injured and in pain. The vet offered to take the dog and provide necessary treatment.
"A pet shouldn't pay the price of the recession," said Schenectady County SPCA Public Information Officer David Dean. "Even in tough economic times, pet owners are responsible for making sure their animal's basic needs are met. Owners have alternatives other than neglect."
Moshier was booked at the Schenectady Police Department and is facing misdemeanor charges of neglecting her animal.
Dean said anyone who is facing financial hardship should call the SPCA for advice on how to handle their situation.
Case UpdatesThe attorney for a woman charged with animal cruelty for allegedly delaying treatment of her family's pit bull puppy in October says a deal with prosecutors means his client can put the "stressful" ordeal behind her.
Public defender John Lindsey said Elizabeth Moshier appeared Wednesday before City Court Judge Vincent Versaci who adjourned the case for six months after which the misdemeanor charge will be dismissed if the defendant stays out of trouble.
"She's very happy that this is resolved because it was very stressful to her," Lindsey said, adding Moshier did not plead guilty to any offenses as part of the agreement. "They realized she made reasonable efforts to get the dog treated and, to be honest with you, she did nothing wrong."
Last month, the 28-year-old city resident was charged by the Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with the misdemeanor, alleging she failed to get veterinary care for the 6-month-old pit bull named Sheeba.
"She was doing a favor for her mother by taking the dog to the vet to get treatment," the public defender said.
The SPCA said Moshier took the animal to the Aqueduct Animal Hospital in Niskayuna with a broken leg on Oct. 22. Moshier told officials she thought one of her children stepped on the dog. Moshier allegedly refused treatment, saying she would take the pet to a cheaper clinic, according to the SPCA.
Animal hospital officials said the veterinarian followed up with the woman, and found out that by Nov. 2 she still had not gotten the dog's leg cared for.
SPCA spokesman David Dean said the agency was incensed at Lindsey's remarks. Moshier could have had several options if she could afford the cost, including finding out about reduced rates or a payment plan, Dean said.
"The one thing that can't happen is there is no treatment," Dean said.
Lindsey said Moshier couldn't afford the roughly $100 fee for an X-ray and waited between 10 to 14 days before returning to vet to get the dog treated. The total vet bill was eventually $1,775.50, Lindsey said. He said he believed the dog, still with the vet, "is expected to make a full recovery and is still up for adoption." | Source: Times-Union - Dec 6, 2009
Update posted on Dec 6, 2009 - 5:04PM |
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