At the moment the SPCA and Jefferson County Animal Control are caring for animals that neighbors say were neglected. Linda Miles, Executive Director for Jefferson County SPCA, says the inadequate care of these animals has created a county crisis.
Miles is certain this will happen again if the situation is not remedied now. "History repeats itself repeatedly with these people. Here we are two years later and I understand they had animals the same day they went to court the last time."
Mark Mushtare says that he and sisters did not neglect their animals, and that they expect to get them back. But if he doesn't, he'll accept it. "I won't replace them. They'll probably take them on me too."
According to Miles, collectors collect and the only way to stop them is with court intervention.
"I would like to see these people removed from that home, put in a clean environment and I'd like to see them never own another animal." Miles said.
The Executive Director for the SPCA says she plans to file charges against Mushtare. Case UpdatesThe three people in Watertown accused in an animal abuse case head back to court in April.
A judge has now ruled the evidence was obtained illegally. Friday (3/19/2004), he said the search warrant used on the South Meadow Street home was invalid and was based on hearsay.
Officers removed forty-five animals from the house back in November after receiving reports that they were living with trash and feces. Now, all but nine of them are adopted.
The judge's decision leaves the defense feeling confident and the SPCA feeling defeated.
"So if all the evidence has been suppressed then what evidence is left? Based on my review of the file, I don't think there's any evidence left, so with no evidence there's no case," said Anthony Neddo, defense attorney.
"It's gonna happen again, it's been repeated over and over again and something is always wrong and it always gets thrown out or we don't get the satisfaction that we're hoping to get and the only thing we were hoping to get was an order for them not to have animals again and we won't see that," said Linda Miles, SPCA Executive Director.
The home was condemned and demolished.
City Codes Inspector Shawn McWayne says the search warrant was properly completed.
Source: Update posted on Apr 1, 2004 - 8:55AM |
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