Monday, February 27, 2012

Dog found 'near death,' owner charged with cruelty

FLORIDA -- A dog named "Lagniappe" was found weighing only 10-lbs. (half of what she should weigh) and suffering from hypothermia, anemia and malnutrition.

The poor pooch also had an infection in both her ears, swollen gums and was infested with parasites, according to a news release from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

The dog's owner, Ynid Marie Fitzwilliams, 48, denied owning the dog, saying Lagniappe belonged to a male acquaintance. However, Fitzwilliams refused to provide a name or contact information for the acquaintance. Court documents later confirmed she had owned the dog for years, records state.

Ynid Marie Fitzwilliams

[They should also be charging her with hindering an investigation/tampering with evidence for having lied about this "male acquaintance".]

When Fitzwilliams was a no-show at an ex parte petition for animal cruelty hearing to determine if she was fit to have custody of the animal, a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Now she gets to stay in the dog pound.

And there is some good news: Lagniappe appears to be on the mend, eating ravenously after being taken in by PAWS and gained more than six pounds, according to a deputy.

[The probable cause narrative stated that the dog was weak and stumbling when she tried to walk. The dog gained 6.2-lbs almost immediately after being rescued from the Defendant.]

(Sun Sentinel - Feb 26, 2012)