<snip>
A 72-year-old dog breeder convicted Tuesday of keeping 235 Chihuahuas in fetid conditions collapsed after the verdict was read and had to be taken out of the courtroom on a stretcher.
Emma Regina Harter of Acton sobbed uncontrollably as she was declared guilty of four counts of animal abuse, including one felony cruelty charge and one count of battering an officer. With her head down on the table, Harter said she had done nothing wrong.
After collapsing, she was taken to a hospital. Her condition was unknown late Tuesday.
Robert D. Conaway, Harter's attorney, had said in his opening statements that his client was a considerate breeder who "opened her house to dogs."
Harter faces up to 5 1/2 years in prison, but Deputy Dist. Atty. Steven Heller said that based on her age and lack of a criminal record, he will not recommend imprisonment. The attorneys will meet with the judge Friday for an update on Harter's condition and to set a sentencing date.
http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/showcase/la-me-chihuahua17mar17.story
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
