Sled dog neglect, 8 dead, 100 seized
Hartsel, CO (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Dec 17, 2009
County: Park
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Samuel Maeser Walker
» Diane Elaine Walker
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Arrest warrants have been issued for a Colorado couple who own a sled dog kennel where investigators say they found dozens of dogs in poor condition.
Eight dogs from Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel near Hartsel have died, and authorities seized about 100 last week. Hartsel is about 70 miles southwest of Denver.
Samuel Maeser Walker and Diane Elaine Walker face two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 30 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
A necropsy on two female huskies found one died from starvation and complications of pneumonia, and the other died from ''bloat'' or ''twisted gut,'' which happens when an animal is given a large amount of food after being deprived of food over time.
An inspection of the facility in February found no signs of neglect.
Case UpdatesThe Fairplay couple accused starving about 100 sled dogs at their Fairplay Kennel were charged in Park County Monday.
Samuel and Diane Walker were in court today for a total of 28 charges. They face 6 felony charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and 22 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
The Walkers were arrested Christmas Day, more than a week after about 100 starving mixed-breed sled dogs were seized after an anonymous tip. Six of the dogs were already dead, and another died after the raid.
The surviving dogs are being nursed back to health at several area animal shelters. | Source: kktv.com - Mar 22, 2010
Update posted on Mar 22, 2010 - 6:23PM |
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