Following the Defendant's appeal of the District Court's guilty ruling regarding the Wolfeboro Great Dane cruelty case last December, the Superior Court trial began this February, with the jury selection starting on the 27th.
Although the Defense once again attempted to twist the facts of the case; asserting that the Prosecution's evidence was misleading, and focusing on irrelevant conspiracy theories against the Wolfeboro PD, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), local humane societies and the witnesses, that jury apparently saw through those diversionary tactics and has come back with a guilty verdict.
Every one of the 12 jurors stood up today and individually stated that they found Ms. Fay guilty, each time ringing through as justice for those amazing animals who endured horrendous living conditions before they were seized from the Defendant on June 16th, 2017.
The jury found Christina Fay guilty of 17 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, which are each punishable by a 12-month jail sentence and $2,000 fine.
The charges include deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, or shelter, including lack of availability of water, forcing the dogs to live in poorly ventilated areas full of urine and feces, as well as inadequately treating ear infections, papilloma, giardia, conjunctivitis, and cherry eye (prolapsed gland of the third eyelid), with one case so severe that the dog was functionally blind, among other ailments and injuries.
It is Presiding Judge, Amy L. Ignatius that will rule on the Defendants sentencing, which will be scheduled approximately 30 days from today.
That sentence will also determine the future of the Great Danes, who have now been awaiting the chance for adoption by loving families for over 8 months.
The Judge has confirmed that the dogs will remain at the shelter created by the HSUS, where they will continue to be cared for with compassion, and under the guidance of veterinary professionals, while sentencing is pending.
The Defense stated in court today that they will be motioning for the judge to reconsider the jury's verdict regarding some of the charges, citing lack of evidence. They will file that motion in writing this week, and the Prosecution has confirmed they will submit a written response to that motion, which Judge Ignatius will also consider.
Additional information regarding the trial and the Defense's motion soon to follow.
In the meantime, if you are a New Hampshire resident and wish to help prevent animal cruelties, such as those in the Wolfeboro Great Dane case, as well many other cases our state has seen in the past year, you may click here to learn more about an animal welfare event that will be taking place this month.
It's time for New Hampshire citizens to unite and ensure that there is no room for animal cruelty in the Granite State.
Above Image: Wolfeboro Great Dane Case, Meredith Lee/HSUS
