Police accuse the owner of a German shepherd of throwing the dog off the second floor window of a South Colony Street home during a drunken rage on Sept. 17.
The puppy, between 6 and 8 months old, suffered a fractured vertebra and pelvis, according to Dr. Corey Shagensky, who is treating the animal at the Cheshire Veterinary Hospital. Despite her injuries, the dog, named Molly, is doing well.
"The dog is pretty stable," Shagensky said. "She's fairly comfortable when she sits down. She could get up and walk around but it's pretty uncomfortable. It's a pretty painful condition. As long as she's not moving around a lot, she's happy and comfortable."
Police charged John Gesner, 51, of 274 S. Colony St., with cruelty to animals. Judge Nicola E. Rubinow increased his bond from $1,000 to $5,000 during his arraignment, citing two outstanding cases of domestic violence and breach of peace and a missed court appearance. Rubinow also chose to pursue the case as a felony since the puppy was seriously injured, she told the court.
If convicted, Gesner faces up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. He is scheduled to return to Superior Court Oct. 20 on all charges.
Shagensky said he is certain Molly will be adopted once the court case concludes. She is a pleasure to be around, he added. "Even with a fractured pelvis, she does not mind getting up and going over to people. She's a terrific, terrific dog." Case UpdatesThe man accused of throwing a puppy off his second-story balcony was in court Thursday morning. John Gesner pleaded "not guilty," and wants his German Shepherd Molly back; but the city says he owes them $2,700 in vet bills.
"I'm not guilty," Gesner told Eyewitness News.
Police said Gesner threw his German Shepherd off his second story balcony in a drunken rage. But Gesner says he would never do anything to hurt her.
"I've had animals all my life," said Gesner. "I've had dogs till they were 16-years-old."
In fact, the Gesners say Molly fell off the balcony herself.
"He did not throw her off," said Courtney Gesner, John's Daughter. "She is a very hyper-active dog."
For the last few months, Molly has been recovering from a fractured spine and pelvis at the Cheshire Animal Hospital. Now, Gesner says he wants his beloved pet back.
"I miss her," he said. "I still have her toys."
However, the city of Meriden wants to make sure that never happens. They want Gesner to sign over custody of Molly and pay back $2,700 in vet bills.
"Anyone who throws a dog out of the window of their house does not deserve custody," said Brian Kogut, Meriden City Councilman.
Gesner refused to hand over custody of Molly to the city, which means they can not find her another home. Gesner says he is not able to pay the vet bill at this time.
"It's for something that he didn't do," said Courtney Gesner, "and it's being publicized, making him an animal and he's not." | Source: WFSB - Oct 20, 2005
Update posted on Oct 24, 2005 - 6:40PM |
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