A member of the state Dog Law Advisory Board is blasting the official response to a dog-care case in Lower Yoder Township as “absolutely wrong’’ and unsatisfactory.
Videos on YouTube showed two seemingly malnourished St. Bernards – one with his head cocked permanently to the side – living behind a storage shed off Sons of Italy Road. A third dog on the scene seemed to be better off.
Advisory board member Tom Hickey of Delaware County received a tip and became involved.
He said the Cambria County Humane Society wrongly gave responsibility for investigating the case to the West Hills Regional police.
“What I saw Friday was a complete breakdown of the system,’’ Hickey said. “They (the Cambria County Humane Society) said they had 12 things to do and couldn’t get there right away.’’
By law, the nonprofit humane societies – not the dog warden nor local or state police – are responsible for investigating claims of animal neglect and cruelty, he said.
The Cambria humane society was closed Monday and Executive Director D Black could not be reached for comment.
The case came to light when Tammy Thayne – founder of Dogs Deserve Better – became involved. Videos of the dogs on a property on Sons of Italy Road went out over the Internet.
“Everybody has a little bit of soul-searching on how they reacted to this case,’’ Hickey said.
Hickey found fault with:
• The humane society.
“They’re the ones I hold accountable,’’ Hickey said.
“They said they were very busy, and I understand they have a lot of volunteers. But if you say you’re going to do it (enforce dog laws), you got to do it.’’
The animal agency reportedly told Hickey that they rely on the police.
“That’s absolutely wrong,’’ he said.
• West Hills Regional police.
Officers should be able to contact the Cambria County Humane Society, even after hours, Hickey said, and drop the case off on them.
The society – not the police
– is the agency empowered to get search warrants and investigate these types of cases, he reiterated.
“It is not uncommon for police departments not being completely up to speed on dog issues,’’ Hickey said.
• Tammy Thayne.
Hickey noted that Thayne did not get around to looking into this case until weeks after she was notified.
Thayne said she was called three or four weeks ago about the dog problem on Sons of Italy Road. But she said the call only referred to matted hair on the canines and nothing further.
Thayne, of Blair County, also has a beef with the system.
She has gotten in trouble with the law previously over her animal rights advocacy.
“Here’s my point: I was told repeatedly by the DA and the judge to call the police (in these situations),’’ she said.
“Now, a dog paid with his life. Someone has to be responsible. The law was clearly being broken; veterinary care is mandated by law. Nobody will help these dogs.’’
Thayne said she still believes the police have a duty to investigate.
“Now, there’s no legal way to get help for a dog that is not your dog. As a dog owner, I find that repugnant,’’ she said.
Local News
State dog official saw ‘breakdown of system’
- Local News
-
-
Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
A Boswell-based summer camp is expanding again, with an additional 130 acres of Ligonier-area land expected to provide more space for a growing program for inner-city youth.
-
City not seeking grant for firemen
Six weeks after a second round of layoffs, Johnstown firefighters believe they have found a way to restore their depleted manpower.
-
Six awarded Allegany College scholarships
Six Somerset County residents recently were awarded the Lucas Popernack Memorial Scholarships for study at Allegany College of Maryland in the current 2011-12 academic year.
-
Blogging with heart
Although it was probably high school English classes that propelled by career, I always liked science and history – with some notable, teacher-personality-or-competence-related exceptions.
-
Commissioners appoint three to arena board
The Cambria County commissioners, looking for new input for the county-owned War Memorial Arena, have appointed three new members to the seven-member War Memorial Authority board.
-
In brief: Police seek suspect in Lower Yoder burglary
West Hills Regional Police are searching for a suspect in the burglary of a Lower Yoder Township home on Tuesday.
-
Lawsuit: Bedford County shooting not 'justified'
The widow of a man who a prosecutor determined committed “suicide by cop” by pointing a weapon at state police during a standoff is suing, claiming the shooting was not justified.
-
Book honors Flight 93 co-pilot Homer
The widow of Flight 93 copilot LeRoy W. Homer Jr. is releasing a book this month on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
-
Mild winter speeds work: Entertainment venue may be complete by end of May
An unusually mild winter has accelerated construction of a new outdoor entertainment venue in Johnstown.
-
Man jailed on rash of charges
A Patton man is being held on $100,000 bond after police said he threatened to kill a woman, her family and himself unless she talked to him about a protection-from-abuse order.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
