Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Regarding felony animal torture: Ice

One of three felony animal torture counts is related to a horse named Ice.

March 14—ACO Wheaton did not observe any wire in the wound. Mercier testified that Ice was injured 7-10 days prior. At that time, Mercier removed a wire wrapped around Ice's leg, and treated the wound with bandages and antibiotics. The wound initially improved, but then worsened. Mercier made an appointment with Dr. Irving for March 16.

March 15—ACO Wheaton did not observe any wire in the wound.

March 16—ACO Wheaton did not observe any wire in the wound. Mercier forced to cancel appointment for Ice with Dr. Irving due to time spent with ACO Wheaton, rescheduled for March 21. Dr. Sray did not observe any wire in the wound, but recommended immediate veterinary care for the injury.

March 20—Mercier forced to vacate premises that morning. ACO Wheaton did not observe any wire in the wound. Dr. Altemose and Dr. Chickering (MSU veterinarians) did not observe any wire in the wound during their examination. Despite Dr. Sray's advice that the injury receive immediate veterinary care, ACO Dunlap cancels March 21 appointment with Dr. Irving for Ice's injury. Veterinary care was not provided by Animal Control until March 27.

March 21—Brad Chaltry examined the wound, cleaned and treated it. He did not observe any wire in the wound.

March 27—Dr. Hammer examined Ice's leg and described the injury as the most severe on the farm. He observed wire sticking out 1-1/2 inches, and testified that anyone should have been able to see it and that it was impossible for the wire to have worked its way out from the inside.

Dr. Hammer's testimony leaves an intelligent person to believe that wire became embedded in Ice's wound after the farm was seized on March 20. However, it was used to support a felony animal torture charge against the defendants.

April 18—Dr. Irving examined Ice and found the wound healed and Ice recovering. He testified that the wound should have been treated prior to Dr. Hammer's examination on March 27.

Ice fully recovered and was sold at auction by Jackson County.

No comments: