Updates on the case of Mary Wild, the dog handler whose neglectful actions caused the death by heat stroke of seven show dogs in June, have not appeared in any mainstream media sources in quite some time, but dog forums and news sources are still keeping an eye out. A reader’s letter to The Dog Press reports that the case has been continued until October 13, 2009 and a jury trial has been requested. Maximum possible sentence would be 8 years in jail plus $8,000 (1 year + $1,000 fine for each of 8 counts of animal abuse).
I’ve served on a jury twice (one criminal case and one civil case) and I came back with serious misgivings about the phrase “jury of one’s peers” and for that matter, the entire trial-by-jury process. I wonder whether a jury trial will result in the maximum sentence for Ms. Wild, or will a jury feel sorry for her, perhaps because of her youth or because to so many people, a dog is just a dog and a show dog is just an object?
There was also news last week on another case that shocked and angered me earlier this year. Lora Hunt was painting her fingernails as she drove, and struck and killed motorcyclist Anita Zaffke who was stopped at a traffic signal. On September 16, Ms. Hunt was indicted on 6 counts of reckless homicide. Arraignment is October 8.
If you’ve been here before, you know my thoughts on distracted driving. This case is the one I point at when people try to demonize technology as the root of all distracted driving evil. Ban texting while driving, by all means. But make sure that distractions like this, total low-tech distractions, can also be considered dangerous and punishable when the results are as horrible as this.
(NaBloPoMo | 75% Challenge: 222 of 274)
It really angers me the way some people don’t see the death of an animal at the hands of a human as a crime. And, yes, neglect is still death at a human’s hand. I do truly hope this woman is found guilty and sentenced to the maximum time allowed. These animals had feelings too. They felt the pain of dying. My heart breaks for them.
I agree that any kind of distration when driving is wrong. If you criminalize one bit of it, go for the total bang and get it all!
~ICLW~
Both those cases are so sad. I hope justice is served in both cases.
~ICLW
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..SHOW AND TELL: Our Camping Trip Treasures =-.
Let’s ban Dumb, Negligent and Evil while we’re at it. That would make the world a much better place.
Love your blog title and description. Rottweiler for President!
Happy ICLW
they both deserve serious punishment! i am with you on the “jury of your peers” it is usually (not always) the people who could not figure out how to get out of jury duty. (there are of course those of us who serve because we are supposed to)
ILCW
.-= jaymee´s last blog ..No Pollyanna Here =-.
Have to agree with Jaymee. Not really a “jury of peers”. Tragic about both cases, and I would be all for banning finger-nail-painting-while-driving as quickly as texting.
I hope that someday people will see the neglect and death of an animal as truly a crime as worthy of harsh punishment as neglecting a child. Both animals and children depend on us.
Both those cases make me sad. Like a commenter above, I hope justice is served.
(ICLW)
Oh my gosh, that is so sad, and makes me very angry that someone could lose their life in such a circumstance.
ICLW and Mingling! I’ve got a contest up on my blog too! 🙂
.-= Indigo´s last blog ..Win a $50 gift card to AJWright! =-.
My gosh there is no accounting for some people’s stupidity. Painting your nails while driving? Good lord.
Neglectful driving is really a crime. I don’t actually drive at all (I have my license, but haven’t driven in years). I am too afraid that I’ll be distracted for just a moment. I see cars as potentially dangerous weapons. I guess that’s probably a bit extreme…
.-= FET Accompli´s last blog ..New Beginnings (183 dp 3dt / 28 weeks 5 days) =-.
I hope, boy do i hope that in both cases they get the maximum!!!
I always wanted to be picked for jury duty. I got called once when i lived back home, it was a case where a lady was sueing her doctor for a botched breast reduction, they didnt pick me though. – ICLW
.-= Wishing4One´s last blog ..Any opinions my fellow RE’s in training? =-.
Hi Kathi,
Hehe that reader on Dog Press was me. I’ve been following Mary Wild’s case right along as you know. The problem with a continuance is that the longer it waits the less “fired up” the DA and the public will be. Keep emailin’ him!!
I also served on a jury and I have to say we sided with the plaintiff not because he was a nice guy because he wasn’t – we sided with him because the police screwed up! That’s not the case here it is up to the DA to drive home the horror that these dogs suffered – remember he’ll have photos.
It is very clear what happened and they have a witness – the assistant. She’s a minor (and lost HER dog) so it is up to the parents if she will testify. Let’s hope that since the mom took her to the police she’ll follow through and the REAL story will come out.
I’ll keep watching and will report to The Dog Press – keep an eye out on the 14th – hopefully she’ll get what she deserves.
I thought it might have been you, Di! I’m trying to keep tabs on this too and will watch for your updates next week for sure.
Hi Kathy,
Another Mary Wild update. Her jury trial has been set for June 3, 2010. There will be a pretrial hearing in May, she could plead to a lesser charge at that hearing but who knows.
Another tidbit of bad news is that Wild is showing again. Yup rumor has it she planned on showing at Kankakee this weekend and that the other handlers were pretty upset when they found out.
If anybody is out that way and you see her spit on her shoes for me please!
Di
Haven’t seen any results s
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Keep The Pressure On =-.