Dog tied to tree five days after being injured Middleburg, FL (US) Incident Date: Saturday, Jul 31, 1999 County: Clay Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abuser/Suspect: Robert Griffith

Case ID: 3203 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

Pet owner to serve probation, community service for cruelty.

Dixie is living with a new family somewhere, while the dog's former owner will spend the next year reporting to a probation officer and cleaning out cages at the county pound.

Robert Griffith, 49, was sentenced Wednesday to 12 months on probation and ordered to perform 25 hours of community service at the Clay County Animal Shelter.

County Judge Richard Townsend imposed the sentence on the 49-year old Middleburg man following his conviction Aug 9 on animal cruelty charges stemming from an injury Dixie received when she was pulled apart from a male dog while mating.

Griffith could have been sentenced to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine, the maximum pentalty for a first-degree misdemeanor.

In addition to probation and community service, Griffith must reimburse the county $790 in veterinary bills for Dixie. The dog had to have surgery to correct a prolapsed uterus and related injuries after she lay tied to a tree in Griffith's backyard for five days after the 1998 incident.

Assistant State Attorney Jim Leano said Griffith also is not allowed to have any animals for at least a year "without going through pet care counseling."

Connie Goon, the county's animal control director, sent Townsend a letter urging the maximum penalty for Griffith.

"It is my understanding that it was not proven that Mr Griffith actually caused the injury to his pet dog," Goon said in the letter. "However, he did have knowledge of an injury and failed to act upon it by seeking out medical attention. It is my opinion that by Mr Griffith's failure to act he's displayed a lack of compassion and regard for the well-being of his pet dog.

"Therefore, I encourage you to impose the maximum penalty allowable under Florida (law). In addition, I ask that you consider taking away the privilege of owning a pet for one year."

Griffith may scheduled is 25 hours of community service any time during the next 12 months.

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References

Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville - Aug 28, 1999

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