No jail for not treating dog

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20091006/NEWS01/710069935/0/MONEY

Published Tuesday October 6, 2009
No jail for not treating dog

By Andrew J. Nelson
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

The Omaha man whose door authorities busted down after he couldn't afford to medically treat his dying dog will pay a $25 fine for not licensing the animal.

But he will not be prosecuted for the neglect allegation that sent police and animal control authorities to his home on Sept. 8, Omaha City Prosecutor Marty Conboy said Monday.

Jacob Palmer, 22, had tried to get his pit bull, Sable, treated by a local veterinarian but couldn't afford the care. That, Conboy said, shouldn't be a reason to charge someone criminally.

The city is likely to reimburse Palmer for the damage to his door, Conboy said, as it does in most cases when it serves a search warrant that results in no substantial criminal charge. Palmer could not be reached Monday for comment.

“I think everybody involved was trying to do what was best for the dog,” Conboy said. “(Palmer) obviously cared about the dog . . . he didn't intentionally want the dog to suffer.

“I think it just worked out that there was some misunderstanding and some miscommunication, but not enough to permit any kind of criminal charges.”

FULL story at link.