8 month old emaciated puppy neglected
Bakersfield, CA (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006
County: Kern
Disposition: Not Charged
Person of Interest: Adult
A little dog found starving and neglected by a fifth grade teacher is on the road to recovery. Animal Control says it's never been done before, but the fifth grade teacher, Robin Slocum, who found the emaciated mutt called Maxine, turned over the investigation on the neglected dog to the District Attorney's office. That means charges could be filed against Maxine's former owner.
Slocum found the eight-month-old puppy walking the streets at Pauly Elementary School, in south Bakersfield. She begged Maxine's owner to give the dog to her and then urged Animal Control to conduct a criminal investigation. Slocum's fifth grade class wrote letters to the D.A., urging the former owner be punished. "But from what I found, there's really not much they can do," said Slocum. "It's now in my hands and I'm going to be filling out a citizen's report with all the information, details and doctor's bills and things like that. And they will be submitting that to the District Attorney," she adds.
According to Animal Control Chief Denise Haynes, this is the first time this has been done in Kern County, in recent memory. "We've never done this or offered this type of service before so this is kind of groundbreaking for us as well," said Haynes. Last week, Maxine's former owner said her work schedule prevented her from taking the dog to the veterinarian. Meanwhile, Slocum has created a new pin to raise money for Maxine and other animals that fall victim to animal cruelty. Anyone that would like a Maxine pin, can mail a self addressed, self stamped envelope with $3 to the following:
Pauly Elementary School
313 Planz Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93304
Attention: Robin Slocum
The money will go toward Maxine's medical expenses and the Alpha Canine Sanctuary. One week after Maxine was found starved and neglected; the veterinarians at Niles point animal hospital say she's doing much better. References« CA State Animal Cruelty Map
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