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Case ID: 3123

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: rodent/small mammal (pet)

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Ferret neglect
Hagerstown, MD (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Jul 25, 2003
County: Washington

Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 21 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Diana L. Bachman

Diana Bachman, aka "Di" or "Diane" was charged with 5 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect.  Bachman plea bargained down to one count animal neglect, and was sentenced on Nov. 3, 2004 to 5 days in jail (suspended), 18 months probation, 50 hours of community service, a fine of $300 plus $55 in court costs, and mandated psychiatric evaluation and counseling.  The investigating officer in this case was Animal Control Officer Courtney Sahaydak.

Bachman has prior convictions: one conviction for assault on a patient in an extended care facility where she worked, and one conviction for writing bad checks.

Di Bachman has reportedly been a ferret breeder for approximately 15 years.  During that time, she has allegedly gotten overwhelmed with too many ferrets and neglected them or left them at shelters in her area on multiple instances. A witness statement submitted to Officer Sahaydak recounted a 1998 visit to Bachman's home:

"Several of the ferrets she got out to show my friend were nippy, and when the tried to nip Di. She hit them hard with her hand.  One ferret she threw on the floor - hard. "

"Litter pans in the cages were dirty and full of feces.  Most of the litter pans were just small Tupperware type containers - too small to be of much use.  Much of the bedding was also filthy and torn, and the ferrets all were filthy.  Some of the ferrets we looked at and handled had dried feces crusted on to their feet."

18 ferrets were purchased by Rocky's Ferret Rescue and Shelter.   Case photos from Rocky's Ferret Rescue and Shelter website.

References

• "State of Maryland vs. Bachman, Diane" - Case number 4V00041297
• Rocky's Ferret Rescue & Shelter

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