investigations cases-dumb friends league/humane society of denver

Neglect case 97-5459
Oso, an 11-month-old Saint Bernard was tied outside in 95-degree heat with no food, water, shade or shelter for two days. Oso suffered from severe sunburn from his shoulders to his hips and tail, his genital area was infested with maggots and he had bitten his lip during a seizure, which was related to his 108-degree body temperature. Initially it was believed that Oso suffered brain damage. The owner stated that his children, ages 7 and 10 years, were responsible for the care of Oso.

Oso

Disposition:
The judge was so appalled by this case he sentenced the owner to 180 days in jail and 250 hours of community service. The owner fulfilled the complete jail term due to non-compliance to the community service. Additionally, the judge also ordered that the owner will never be allowed to own an animal again. Oso was taken in by the Dumb Friends League, nursed back to health and eventually adopted to a new loving family in July 1997.

With the help of our veterinarians and staff, Oso made a full recovery. Today he lives with his new family who renamed him Jake.

Neglect case 01-012163
The League's Animal Cruelty Investigations Department assisted the Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection with a large impound case in Southern Colorado in December 2001. The owner, who was considered an animal "hoarder," was living in her car while she kept 42 dogs and several cats in her 1,000 square foot house without any heat or proper care. The house was covered in urine and several inches of feces. Some of the animals were so badly matted that they were unrecognizable as to the type of breed, age or sex. Marley

Two dogs from this case are profiled here:

Marley, a seven-old Old English Sheepdog, was in such bad condition that it took five hours to remove his matted coat. Groomers shaved 20 pounds of urine and feces-infested hair from his body. Marley also had a skin infection and his collar was imbedded in his neck. It was estimated that he had not been groomed for three years. Fortunately for Marley, he had a big heart and a spirit to survive. He was adopted to a new, loving family in late December 2001.

Ziggy, a seven-year-old poodle mix, was first thought to be a rug leaning up against the wall inside of the house. He weighed 16-pounds when the League took him in, and only 8 pounds after being groomed.

Disposition:
The owner was charged with animal neglect, but the charges were dropped due to her mental condition. Ziggy also went to a new, loving home in December 2001.

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