Attorneys/Judges
| Prosecutor(s): | Jim Delapoer | | Defense(s): | Kirk Tibbetts | | Judge(s): | Robert T. Scott |
Images for this Case
English Mastiff nearly 100 lbs underweight
Albany, OR (US)Incident Date: Monday, Nov 8, 2010
County: Linn
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 3 files available
Defendant/Suspect: Erica Michelle Olsen
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Albany police arrested a 26-year-old woman Thursday morning in connection with an ongoing animal neglect investigation.
Erica Michelle Olsen of Albany was lodged in Linn County Jail on a charge of first-degree animal neglect and an unrelated Linn County warrant charging failure to comply.
Albany Police Capt. Eric Carter gave this account:
The investigation began Nov. 8 when police received a report of an emaciated English Mastiff at 2003 17th Ave. S.E. A community service officer went to the home and was able to see into the backyard and confirm the report. Over the next day officers attempted unsuccessfully to contact a resident at the home.
On Nov. 9, police seized the dog, which was severely malnourished and unable to walk. The dog was taken to the Albany Animal Hospital to be examined and treated. The dog, a 5-year-old English Mastiff named Hank, had been living in a lean-to in the backyard with no signs of food or fresh water.
Hank weighed 65 pounds, nearly 100 pounds under his recommended weight. The examination concluded that the Hank did not suffer from any disease or parasites that might account for his low weight. Hank's health is improving and he will soon be turned over to the Safe Haven Humane Society.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the Albany Police Department at 541-917-7680.
Olsen is due to appear in Albany Municipal Court on Dec. 6.
Case UpdatesThe former owner of Hank, a once-emaciated English mastiff, entered a plea of no contest to the charge of first-degree animal neglect in Albany Municipal Court on Tuesday.
Erica Olsen is scheduled for a sentencing hearing at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Municipal Court.
City Attorney Jim Delapoer said he will be putting together a list of witnesses to call at the hearing.
Olsen's court-appointed attorney, Kirk Tibbetts, may also call witnesses and present evidence.
Delapoer said it will be a hearing in aggravation. The process is unusual and reserved for special circumstances, in this case where the city wants to present evidence showing why the sentence should be more severe than ordinary.
"It seems to be a pretty aggravated case from what I have gathered," he said.
Hank the dog is doing much better, according to Christiana Gunderson, director of SafeHaven Humane Society. The shelter facilitated Hank's placement with a new family.
"Hank is doing great," she said. "He has gained weight and is now over 100 pounds. He's also put on muscle mass."
Hank weighed about 65 pounds when a veterinarian took over his care, about 100 pounds under the recommended weight for his breed.
"He eats everything you put in front of him," Gunderson said. "He is still being monitored by veterinarians once per week."
Back in November, police responded to a call of an emaciated dog being kept behind a home on 17th Avenue. Police say there was no sign of food or fresh water. The dog was seized the next day.
"Fortunately, we don't have cases like this very often," Delapoer said. "Customarily, domestic dogs and cats don't go through this."
At her February court date, Olsen is to appear before Municipal Court Judge Robert T. Scott, who will sentence her.
Sentencing for animal neglect could include probation and a fine. Delapoer said he will be "going for more than a fine" but didn't want to specify details. | Source: democratherald.com - Jan 12, 2011
Update posted on Jan 14, 2011 - 9:00PM |
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