Selma, AL: Prince, a seven year old emaciated German Shepherd dog was turned in to Selma Animal Shelter by his owners. Prince's owners didn't look into the lens of the camera that documented this all too common incident. But Prince did.
The photo captured his despair and confusion. Subsequently, the piercing expression in Prince's eyes reverberated in the hearts of Alabama animal advocates on Facebook.
An adopter in Birmingham came forward. A shelter board member was enlisted to speed Prince's transfer to a private veterinarian to save him from being taken by “just anyone” who walked in, according to shelter staff.
As per Alabama law, a pet surrendered by owners can be killed at any time, making Prince's fate even more precarious, aside than his apparent frail appearance.
Prince's owners, according to Selma Animal Shelter, were recent arrivals to Alabama from New York, and had moved in with relatives. No previous veterinary records were produced, therefore, Prince would need a full work up at the expense of adopter, supported by donations from caring individuals.
Veterinary examination reflected that Prince had been severely neglected for a prolonged time period. His heart was infected with an advanced case of heartworms and his body was infested with every parasite known to dog; so anaemic that he could barely walk. Further tests revealed his kidneys were weak, but determined with proper medical care and regular meals, he could withstand heartworm treatment in the future. In meantime, Prince was unable to eat dry food, and his futile attempts to eat soft-wet food were accompanied by groans and whimpering.
Under anesthesia, it was discovered that his teeth were rotten and abscessed. Most disturbing, detailed probing indicated that his jaw had been broken at an undetermined time, but definitely in the distant past. The jaw had grown back together in an unnatural manner, resulting in excruciating permanent pain. His discomfort was so great that it prevented him from opening his mouth, much less struggling to chew food he was offered – despite his desire for the nourishment imperative to his well-being.
The adopter, by telephone, heeded the veterinarian's recommendation, in Prince's “best interest”, to “put him down.” Prince never woke from the anesthesia. His life was ended quickly, painlessly – and tragically. Unfortunately, a rescue had been secured - too late. Prince's veterinary expenses were paid in full when he was euthanized.
But a Prince is dead. Alabama animal cruelty laws deem animal neglect as a crime of animal cruelty. Why aren't the owners charged with animal cruelty? Why wasn't Prince's condition noted by shelter staff? Why isn't the criminal code below applicable for Prince's life of pain and suffering?
Title 13A. Alabama Criminal Code. Chapter 11.
§ 13A-11-14. Cruelty to Animals.
(a) A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if, except as otherwise authorized by law, he or she intentionally or recklessly:
(1) Subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment; or
(2) Subjects any animal in his or her custody to cruel neglect; or
(3) Kills or injures without good cause any animal belonging to another.
A Prince is dead; never to feel the touch of a loving guardian, to receive the care a loyal pet deserves or live one hour without the pain he endured from neglectful owners.
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