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Case Snapshot

Case ID: 18267

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (pit-bull)

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Attorneys/Judges

Prosecutor(s):	Howard Long
Judge(s):	Nicholas Trabosh

Images for this Case

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CONVICTED: Was justice served?

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Case #18267 Rating: 2.0 out of 5

Starved 8 week old puppy rescued from filthy cage outside
Lindenwold, NJ (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011
County: Camden

Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 3 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Dominique Dillard

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Lindenwold Borough Municipal Court Judge Nicholas Trabosh gave
Trabosh made it clear that Dillard was irresponsible and negligent and even mentioned that he didn't like her attitude. "You just have excuse after excuse for this," he said, "and you haven't even tried to say you're sorry or appear contrite. I wouldn't let a rat live in the conditions you allowed this dog to live in." After stating Dillard's community service, he added, "If you don't show up, you'll be going to real live jail."

Kathy McGuire, president of
"I think what frustrated the judge was her defiance. She would not give in that little bit extra," said Micklewright of Dillard's attitude in court.

When Micklewright first brought the dog to the veterinarian, he was told he should be put to sleep. Micklewright refused, and brought Schmiegel to another veterinarian at Blackwood Animal Hospital, who honored Micklewright's request to try to save the dog. "I would've bet that dog wasn't going to make it through the night, but I had to try," he said. "I was shocked when I found out he was alive the next morning." Schmiegel's temperature wasn't even registering on a thermometer that night because his body had shut down.

"We're supposed to be advocates for these animals! Not just say, 'Oh, put him to sleep,'" said McGuire. "And look at Schmiegel now! He's almost back to perfect health." Schmiegel is approximately 12 weeks old and 15 pounds now (up from seven when he was first found) and he's ready for adoption! He is soon going to

Case Updates

References

• « NJ State Animal Cruelty Map
  « More cases in Camden County, NJ

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