A London couple pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and have been banned from owning any animals after one of their dogs died, according to the London Humane Society.
Linda Abbott, 44, and Ethan Clipperton, 50, each plead guilty to four counts of animal cruelty.
The humane society received a call concerning three dogs that were in extremely poor physical condition on Dec. 4, 2013. One dog was described as requiring immediate veterinary care.
An investigations officer went to the home and issued the owners an order to have the animals examined by a veterinarian for their poor body conditions. The owners did not want to relinquish the pets to the London Humane Society and claimed they would take the animals into the veterinarian as required.
When following up on the order, the investigator says the couple failed to comply and one of the dogs had died. The two other dogs were removed by humane society officers.
“Both dogs were extremely emaciated when they were brought in,” says Judy Foster, humane society executive director. “In time, both were able to recover and we are happy to share that both Oliver and Kolbie have both been adopted into their forever homes.”
Abbott was sentenced and received a life-time prohibition from living with, owning or caring for any animals, as well as three years’ probation.
Clipperton was sentenced and received a 10 year prohibition from living with, owning or caring for any animals, as well as three years’ probation.
“Over the years, the courts have demonstrated time and time again that lack of money is no excuse for neglect,” says agent Chris Chew. “It is not acceptable to treat any animal in this manner and there are other options available.”
