Two charged with animal abuse

Tuesday, October 13, 2009
By KATHY FAIRCHILD/Staff writer

Carol Smith, 63, and Larry Smith, 67, both of Sweet Springs, were charged with class A misdemeanor animal abuse in connection with the removal of more than 60 dogs and cats from their home Saturday, Oct. 3.

According to an incident report filed with the probable cause statement, a request from Missouri Division of Aging led to an on-site investigation by Missouri's Humane Society Oct. 3, after the Smiths agreed to voluntarily give up custody of the animals to the Humane Society.

The report indicates the defendants said they had not taken any of the animals to a veterinarian for treatment of injuries or medical conditions, including a large open wound on the neck of one of the cats, and numerous cases of matted eyes, running noses and other indications of ill-health.

All of the animals had to be euthanized due to a number of serious medical conditions, according to Missouri Humane Society Investigator Brian Williams.

The two are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Associate Court before Judge James T. "Tut" Bellamy.

Charges contained in reports provided by law enforcement officials are not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting charges must be presented before a jury, whose duty is to determine if the accused is guilty or not guilty of the charges.

66 animals seized from Sweet Springs home:

www.marshallnews.com/story/1576234.html

Contact Kathy Fairchild at marshallhealth@socket.net

Comments

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Proudsportsmom,

This to could have been done in probate court. You can not appoint an administrator in criminal court. There evidently is a problem in the household in making rational decisions for themselves? The public administrator might have been needed?

-- Posted by Gumby on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 4:25 PM

Gumby I think the reason is that they have to have a judgement against them to prevent them from owning animals in the future. I am certain the prosecutor nor the Division of Aging are "out for blood" in this case.

-- Posted by Proudsportsmom on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 4:18 PM

Eric,

I'm not stupid, I know very well who does the prosecuting in criminal cases..Please!

I think you are missing my point. The original complaint came from the division of aging. It's apparent that there is an issue of whether these people were able to take care of themselves or the division of aging would not have been involved to start with! Why was the division of aging involved if someone didn't believe there was a need to start with??

I couldn't believe this was being handled in criminal court instead of probate court. Maybe, just maybe, these ederly people might need help, not prosecution??? It's apparent that something isn't right in the household for this to even happen in the first place!

-- Posted by Gumby on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 12:08 AM

inhuman to both animal and human, no jail sentence i hope but some strict probation in this case.

-- Posted by yank on Tue, Oct 13, 2009, at 4:21 PM

The Prosecutor picks and chooses what he prosecutes, pushing one issue while ignoring some other. What do aging experts, mental health experts, and animal experts believe is the best course of action? What will help the most in the long term?

-- Posted by Cat13 on Tue, Oct 13, 2009, at 3:26 PM

Is Prosecution how the Division of Aging helps Senior Citizens??

I'm glad they look out for the well being of the seniors in the state, god forbid if you need help, they'll send ya to jail!

-- Posted by Gumby on Tue, Oct 13, 2009, at 12:04 PM

Response by Eric Crump/Editor:

I think prosecution is the responsiblity of the county prosecuting attorney's office, not the Division of Aging.