Another Shelter Abuse Case - The Public Didn't Know About!

Chance thinks if the news media would get more involved in animal abuse cases, it might slow the tide.

Almost 2 yrs. ago, a Berkeley County woman was charged with keeping 149 dogs in inhumane conditions. Mari Spade, a 61 year old woman (at the time) that started a rescue called, ironically, "Second Chance", that actually arranged adoptions for hundreds of dogs at several Loudoun County pet stores and a local veterinary clinic, has been charged with animal cruelty.

This is another case of someone opening a shelter and not being able to handle it. Who suffers, the animals, of course. Her lawyer had the audacity to say, "There is no abuse. She may have been a little over-whelmed, but she is not a cruel person by definition." But, anyone that would defend someone like this woman, is desperate for a case. The evidence was abundant.

She has been ordered to pay restitution of about $115,000.00. This amount came from the total cost it took to take care of the dogs rescued from the hell they were living in. She pleaded no-contest in Dec. '07 to one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The charge is too lenient. I feel she should at least have done 6mo. to 2 yrs. in jail and paid the county back.