A Sultan, WA man who allegedly attacked a pit bull mix puppy has been charged with Animal Cruelty in the First Degree.
According to prosecutors, Kenneth Scott Palmer allegedly choked and kicked the two-month-old puppy, causing severe trauma. Palmer, 43, was staying in a Sultan, WA home as a houseguest. The puppy, named Precious, did not belong to him.
On October 17, police were called to the Sultan home after a neighbor reported seeing Palmer kick and grab the puppy by the throat. The neighbor told police that Palmer was hitting Precious’ head against the porch and that she threatened to call 911 if Palmer did not give her the dog. Palmer then allegedly threw the dog to the neighbor, who called 911.
According to court papers, Palmer told the police that he was disciplining Precious because the puppy defecated inside the house.
Precious was unable to walk or hold up her head and she was also vomiting, court papers stated.
Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish, WA treated Precious, where a veterinarian found that the injuries were consistent with being kicked in the stomach or with injuries sustained in a car accident.
An ultrasound also found that Precious had internal bleeding. In addition, Precious sustained an eye injury, possibly due to Palmer’s alleged attempted strangulation.
According to Snohomish County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Hal Hupp, Palmer was charged on Friday, January 4 with Animal Cruelty in the First Degree, RCW 16.52.205.
“Palmer is set for arraignment on January 22nd,” Hupp stated. “His case will likely be assigned to Snohomish County Superior Court.”
The “Pasado Law,” which was passed in 1994, made Animal Cruelty in the First Degree a Felony in Washington State.
Updates to this story will be posted as they occur.
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