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Case #6418 Rating: 3.0 out of 5
Backyard breeder - 67 dogs seized from van Oracle, AZ (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Nov 30, 2005 County: Pinal
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Mary Elizabeth Hamilton
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
In December 2005, sheriff's deputies found 67 dogs either living in a van or in a travel trailer owned by 60-year-old Mary Elizabeth Hamilton. Investigators say she was a breeder, but hadn't sold any dogs for some time.
Myers says, "She wasn't parting with any of the animals, so she kept getting more and breeding more until she ultimately ended up with these 67 dogs that were seized." Hamilton was arrested, booked into the Pima County Jail, but allowed to keep 7 dogs.
Investigators say she was aware of what she was doing, but this isn't the first time she's had problems with her dogs. Investigators say she was living in Pinal County before loading up the animals and taking them to Avra Valley where it all came to an end. Joe Pyritz, Public Information Officer for Pinal County says, "They did cite her one time for kennel permit. The dogs were in really good shape. Those that were ill were being taken care of by a vet. She had paper records to back that up."
From what investigators have determined, she was selling her house in Oracle and was cleaning it up, so she loaded up the animals in a travel trailer. When investigators found them, they were living in a mess of urine and feces. That's why she was cited for unsanitary living conditions. Reports show some of the dogs were missing eyes; apparently, eye problems are common for the breed.
The Humane Society says those who want to adopt a dog must come and fill out the paper work. If they don't get a Pekingese, there are other dogs who need homes as well.
Case UpdatesMary Elizabeth Hamilton, 61, was keeping her 68 Pekingese in a 28-foot travel trailer. She was issued 128 citations in December, but an agreement was reached with the Pima County Attorney's Office to reduce the number of counts. Hamilton is now living in Michigan and entered her plea via telephone.
As part of the agreement, she had to pay a $500 fine and complete 100 hours of community service. And, for the next 24 months, she is limited to owning seven animals, which all must be spayed or neutered.
Animal-welfare advocates were disappointed in the plea agreement, saying they work hard to bring those who commit animal cruelty to justice. | Source: KVOA News - May 21, 2006 Update posted on May 28, 2006 - 2:48PM |
References« AZ State Animal Cruelty Map « More cases in Pinal County, AZ
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