Dog neglect - mange, malnourished, parasites
Worcester, NY (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Feb 29, 2004
County: Otsego
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Karen M. Zdan
A dog taken from a Worcester house in March 2004 will have a new home after the decision of a Worcester justice to adjourn an animal cruelty case filed against a town resident.
Karen Zdan, 37, who was charged with animal cruelty under state Agriculture and Markets law, was adjourned for six months with several conditions, said town Justice Jack Nagle.
The conditions included her releasing ownership of the nearly 10-year-old Neapolitan mastiff named Fanny, who was seized by animal control officer Paul Suydam March 30, Nagle said. She also can have no new pets for at least six months.
If Zdan meets these terms the charge could be dismissed.
Veterinarian Peter Ingraham said when Fanny arrived she had a number of problems as the result of neglect, including mange, massive infections, hair loss, parasites and malnourishment. She weighed 65 pounds at the time. Since she has been at the animal hospital, she gained nearly 50 pounds.
"There is a waiting list a yard long to adopt her," Ingraham said. The dog should be in a new home next week, now that the judge has given the approval, he said.
"It will be hard to let her go, but she deserves a good home," said office manager Cathy Delaney. She was one of several employees who said they will miss the dog.
In explaining his decision on the animal abuse case, Nagle said it would have been difficult to get a prompt conviction under the state law.
The conditions of the adjournment address the main problem, which was to find the dog a home and to keep Zdan from having new pets while under review, Nagle said. She has one dog that appears to be fine.
After the six months, the case will be reviewed to see if the conditions will be extended. If she has any violations the case will be reopened. References« NY State Animal Cruelty Map
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