Doves and guinea pigs neglected
Smithsburg, MD (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Dec 13, 2007
County: Washington
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Patty Burkett - Convicted
» Bertha May Martin
Two women facing animal cruelty charges in connection with malnourished doves and guinea pigs found in their Smithsburg home appeared Wednesday afternoon in Washington County District Court.
Humane Society officials inspecting the property in December 2007 noticed a strong odor of urine and feces inside the home, Washington County District Court documents show.
Four bird cages held doves, none of which had water, and the bottoms of the cages were caked with feces, food and feathers, according to documents. In one of the cages, a live dove was lying on top of a dead dove, and a second dead dove was found in another cage, documents show.
Guinea pigs held in a cage in another room also had no water, and their cage was full of food and feces mixed together, Humane Society officials alleged in court documents.
The doves, guinea pigs and a cat were impounded. A third dove later died.
Patty Burkett, 64, and Bertha May Martin, 67, were charged in connection with the deaths of three doves.
Both women were charged with seven counts of neglect.
Martin requested her case be moved to Washington County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Patty Burkett pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of animal cruelty, failing to provide a dove with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, proper drink, air, space or veterinary care.
Burkett's defense attorney asked the judge for probation before judgment. If granted, Burkett would avoid a sentence if she meets certain conditions during a probationary period.
District Court Judge Ralph H. France II set sentencing for May 28 and ordered a presentence investigation completed by the Division of Parole and Probation to provide him with background information about Burkett.
"I think I should know more about this case," France said.
Burkett is not to have control over any animals before sentencing, the judge ordered.
Humane Society officials discovered the alleged neglect during an annual inspection for a kennel license, Humane Society Executive Director Paul Miller said Wednesday afternoon after the hearing.
Martin had applied for the license, which she had held but had not renewed, Miller said. Dogs were still at the property Wednesday, Miller said. References« MD State Animal Cruelty Map
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