Neglect, failure to obtain veterinary care - Chesapeake, VA

Thursday, Aug 19, 2004

County: Chesapeake City

Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Natalie Andrews

On 8/19/04 ACO Sockman responded to a complaint of cats at large in the 5100 block of Lake Shore Drive. She located a tri-colored female cat in extremely poor condition. The animal was extremely thin, lethargic, and had a necrotic odor.

The officer contacted the owner, Natalie Andrews WF 28 years old, who stated that she believed the cat was dying. ACO Sockman advised Ms. Andrews that she was confiscating the cat due to its condition. The officer transported the cat to a local veterinarian, where it was evaluated. The doctor's report stated the animal was extremely thin, dehyrated, full of fleas, had a very small abdomen and kidneys, nasal discharge, tapeworms and abnormal left rear and right front legs. This last was possibly due to birth defects. The veterinarian recommended humane euthanasia.

The cat was euthanized at the Animal Control shelter, where the officers discovered 2 large ulcers in the roof of the cat's mouth and maggots in the stump of the right front leg. The animal control coordinator decided to send the body of the cat to the regional laboratory for a necropsy.

In the meantime, ACO Sockman charged the owner with one count of cruelty to animals and one count of cat at large.

The necropsy report reiterated the findings of the local veterinarian. The report further noted tibial fragments in rear stump, and more maggots in the front stump. The necrotic areas in the roof of the cat's mouth involved 80% of the hard palate. No fat deposits were noted anywhere in the body, not even around the base of the kidneys or the heart.

The final diagnosis stated that the animal suffered from severe malnutirition, dehydration, parasite infestation, renal (kidney) tubualr degeneration, necrosis and ulceration of the oral palate.

This case was heard on 8/31/04 in General District Court in Chesapeake. Ms. Andrews was convicted on both charges. She was fined $25 on the cat at large charge and $100 with $50 suspended on the cruelty charge.

References

• Officer's case file, copies of summonses
• Docket # CO47449

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