CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #4275 Rating: 2.0 out of 5
Dog neglected, covered in maggots
Palo Alto, CA (US)Incident Date: Friday, Apr 1, 2005
County: Santa Clara
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Darrell Clark
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A man who prosecutors say neglected his dog to the point that the animal was covered with maggots, matted feces and open wounds has been charged with felony animal neglect. Darrell Clark, 57, appeared in Santa Clara County Superior Court on April 5, 2005 to face the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Bail was set at $100,000.
No one knows how long Cookie, a cocker spaniel, lay whimpering in a garage. But by the time a neighbor called police, it was too late.
Animal Control officer William Warrior, who picked up Cookie from her home in Mountain View on April 1, took Cookie to a veterinarian, who was forced to euthanize the animal.
"There was no evidence of malnutrition," Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Max Zarzana said of Cookie. "But other than food and water, there appeared to be no other basic care given to the well-being of this dog."
Clark's sister Diane said her brother's biggest crime was being a slovenly housekeeper. "He may have been a pig, but he took care of his dog," she said.
Palo Alto city veterinarian Bonnie Yoffe said Cookie had been "neglected for at least one year and probably for several years based on the length of the toenails and the severity of the matting" of feces in her fur.
Case Updates| Clark pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 99 days in jail and 3 years probation. Because he was charged with a felony, the maximum sentence possible was 3 years in jail. Clark cannot have animals for the duration of his probation. | | Update posted on Jun 24, 2005 - 9:22PM |
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