Texas couple convicted of allowing boy’s mauling death
A Texas couple have been convicted of “attack by a dog resulting in death,” a new felony in that state that holds dog owners responsible for the actions of their dogs.
Four dogs owned by the couple, Jack Smith and Crystal Watson, killed a boy May 18. They face up to 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors have to prove four elements to convict someone of the new crime: the attack was unprovoked, the attack happened somewhere other than the owner’s property, the owners failed to secure the dogs and the defendants own the dogs.
What do you think of the new law? The pro: negligent dog owners who put dogs and people at risk can be prosecuted. The con: responsible dog owners could get caught up in a bad situation. Good idea or bad idea?
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Del City officer responds to dog’s death
Listen to Pet Show! Daniel Bingham, an animal control officer with the Del City Police Department, joined us to talk about how police and animal control officers respond to reports of vicious dogs. He also discussed the case of two Del City officers shooting a dog early Sunday morning. The dog was accused of chasing a man and attempting to bite him. We also offer some tips for staying safe around dogs.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
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New OSU vet cardiologist implants dog pacemaker
A new verterinarian who specializes in cardiology has joined the staff at Oklahoma State University veterinarian and has implanted a pacemaker in canine patient.
Dr. Nicole Ponzio has joined the OSU staff as a clinical assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences. Her speciality: cardiology.
She implanted a pacemaker in Molly, an 8-year-old mixed breed. The dog is recovering well from the surgery last month, Dr. Ponzio said in a news statement released by OSU.
Most of us think of cardiologists as doctors who looks after patients – not someone who uses a stethescope to listen to a dog’s heartbeat. But veterinarians who specialize in cardiology take care of their pup patients in much the same way as doctors. And the surgery to implant pacemakers is very similiar to the procedure for humans, according to OSU. Even some of the equipment is the same. And the pacemaker works the same as a human pacemaker.
Want Dr. Ponzio to check your dogs heart? Call (405) 744-7000.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Tulsa mom accused of neglect in dog mauling death
Police say a 17-year-old mom was negligentwhen her 2-month-old son was mauled to death by the family’s Labrador puppy. Linzy Earles was asleep when Zane Earles was “eaten alive,” according to police. Authorities want to know why Earles didn’t wake up if her baby was screaming. They’ve taken hair and blood samples to check for any possible drug or alcohol use. The dog was put down the evening of the mauling so authorites could collect evidence.
Read The Oklahoman for more updates.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
The gift of life
I had no clue dogs could donate blood. I imagine my dogs trying to do that. I’m sure those sweethearts would be willing to help out – if the vet techs could finish the whole procedure in less than 4 seconds.
Apparently this kind of donation is not only possible, it’s common for some owners. Check out this story about animal blood banks. Interesting.
- Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
