Dogs, cats and birds mutilated Eureka, CA (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Nov 30, 1999 County: Humboldt Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abuser/Suspect: Dale Grant Morton

Case ID: 4698 Classification: Mutilation/Torture Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull), bird (pet) View more cases in CA (US) Login to Watch this Case

Dale Grant Morton, 49, has been sentenced to 10 years and two months in prison for convictions on animal abuse and false imprisonment. The sentence also included additional terms for having been convicted and sentenced to state prison for two prior felony offenses, as well as for having prior grants of probation revoked for previous convictions of assault and resisting arrest.

This case started in December 1999 when Morton's landlord noticed a puppy's head and a paw hanging in the window of Morton's apartment. The apartment was located at an apartment complex at 4th and L streets. The landlord called the police and upon investigation they determined the animal had been tortured to death. The headless remains of a cat was found in Morton's freezer. The cat apparently had been placed into the freezer while alive and left to die. The remains of several birds was also found in Morton's apartment.

Morton originally faced three years eight months for his fresh animal cruelty convictions but received additional prison time because the prior felonies were considered.

While animal cruelty charges were being investigated by Eureke Police Department, Morton was taken into custody on another call for threatening people with a pellet gun in and near his apartment.

During questioning Morton rambled on indicating he was delusional as a result of apparent mental illness. Morton was found to be incompetent to stand trial and was referred to mental health authorities. After receiving treatment and found to be competent he returned to court to face the filed charges.

May 6 Morton pleaded guilty to two felony charges of animal abuse and three misdemeanor charges of false imprisonment. The pleas resulted in the revocation of his probation on prior cases.

Humbolt County District Attorney Terry Farmer said, "Dale Grant Morton represents one of the potentially most frightening defendants our court system has seen in a while. The link between animal abuse and more violent conduct has clearly been established. The dismembered remains of dogs and cats today could well be that of children tomorrow. Althougn it is clear that Mr Morton suffers from significant mental abnormalites and that he has a significant history of mental illness, it is also clear that history does not constitute legal excuse for his criminal activity and that the mental health system has not been able to 'cure' and deter him from committing these horrible crimes. This sentence represents the maximum term of confinement the court could lawfully impose."

Morton is to receive treatment for his mental problems while he serves his prison terms.

Farmer said, "While we hope that the defendant's mental issues are addressed, he needs to be off the street. Public protection is pre-eminent."

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References

Eureka CA Times-Standard - July 17, 2001

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