Case Details

4-week old puppy kicked in domestic dispute
Troy, NY (US)

Date: Apr 17, 2005
County: Rensselaer
Local Map: available
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Darnell Williamson

Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

Case ID: 4403
Classification: Kicking/Stomping
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Troy Police say Darnell Williamson, 37, allegedly inflicted serious injuries on a 4-week-old female Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix in an incident on Burdett Avenue on April 17, 2005.

Williamson was being held this morning on a felony charge of injuring an animal - the so-called Buster's law. He also is charged with disorderly conduct and criminal contempt of an order of protection, both misdemeanors. He was in the Troy city lock up Sunday.

The dog, small enough to fit within the palm of a human hand, Sunday afternoon was showing signs of recovery from spinal and head injuries, said Dr. Sam Gallo, a veterinarian at the Capital District Emergency Clinic in Latham. The tiny canine was unresponsive when it arrived at the clinic. X-rays reveal no broken bones. The dog probably will be transferred today to the Troy Veterinary Clinic.

Kevin McDonough, the Troy animal control officer, was called to the scene on Burdett Avenue by Troy Police, who responded to call of a domestic dispute.

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Case Updates

Without saying a word or really looking up from the ground, Williamson entered a not guilty plea to animal cruelty charges under Buster's Law. The DA's office said cases of suspected animal abuse seem to hit a cord with the community.

Dan Hanlon of the Rensselaer County District Attorney's Office said, "When this does happen, our office gets more calls than when someone gets injured in a fight. It's something we'll take seriously. It's a crime on the books, and we'll prosecute."

Williamson was sent back to jail without bail. His lawyer would not comment on the case. If he's convicted, Williamson could face up to two years behind bars.

In the meantime, the city has set up a memorial fund in Bear's name. Proceeds will benefit the Mohawk/Hudson River Humane Society. They have already received almost $500.
Source: Capital News 9 - April 27, 2005
Update posted on Apr 28, 2005 - 8:30AM 
Darnell Williamson faces a possible two years behind bars for allegedly kicking a one-pound puppy so brutally the animal had to be put down only days later.

Thirty-seven-year-old Darnell Williamson was handed a two count indictment by state Supreme Court Judge James Canfield April 22, 2005 on a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals and misdemeanor count of criminal contempt for allegedly causing the death of a 7-week-old puppy.

If convicted under the animal cruelty statute "Buster's Law," Williamson faces up to two years in prison for allegedly kicking the Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix puppy about 10 feet across a room and against a wall on Sunday.

City Animal Control officer Kevin McDonough said he was "close to tears" when he made the decision to put to sleep the pup to spare it from further pain and suffering incurred from the massive injuries sustained after getting kicked.

For two days, McDonough gently transported Bear between the Capital District Animal Emergency Clinic in Latham and the Troy Veterinary Hospital for care and treatment. He said everyone "did all they could" for the "little thing" even though there wasn't much hope.

According to authorities, the dog had blood clots in both eyes and sustained severe spinal and head injuries when admitted for treatment.

The animal was unresponsive when McDonough recovered it from Williamson's house, where police had responded to a domestic dispute call at the residence.

The felony charge against Williamson will be prosecuted by Rensselaer County Assistant District Attorney Joe Abelove, who has experience in prosecuting Buster Law cases.

An animal cruelty penalty was raised to the level of felony in 1999.

Assemblyman James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, championed the bill after a cat named Buster was killed after some youths doused it with gasoline and set it on fire.

Within month of the law taking effect, Abelove prosecuted a case involving a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student who kicked a dog down a flight of stairs. He also prosecuted a Hoosick Falls man who shot a cat with a crossbow.

In both cases, the defendants served jail time.

The defendant in this latest case is expected back in court for an arraignment April 27, 2005.

After the indictment, Williamson was remanded to the Rensselaer County Jail.
Source: The Troy Record -April 24, 2005
Update posted on Apr 25, 2005 - 7:07AM 
The puppy kicked and beaten by a Troy man during a domestic dispute has died. Police found the 7-week-old Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix on Sunday, after being taken from his owner's home. "Bear" was taken to the Troy Veterinary Hospital, but not much could be done for him. Darnell Williams, 37, is facing felony charges for killing Bear. He'll be back in court on Friday
Source: CBS 6
Update posted on Apr 21, 2005 - 8:42AM 

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References

Troy Record - April 18, 2005
CBS 6
Capital News 9 - April 21, 2005
Troy Record - April 21, 2005

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