Friedheim woman faces animal abuse charges

Two weeks after nine severely neglected dogs were seized by sheriff's deputies, their former owner faces charges for animal abuse and the dogs are on their way to happier homes.

Catherine Lee, 40, of Friedhiem, Mo., faces one count of animal abuse for neglecting to provide food or water for one chow mix, one Australian shepherd, one boxer and six pit bulls.

The dogs, described by Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle as "skeletons with fur" at the time of their rescue, have all been placed in foster homes except for three, said Cheryl Dillon, director of the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

The chow mix has been reunited with his original owner, a Farmington, Mo., man who claims the dog was stolen from him a year ago, Dillon said.

He recognized the animal immediately when he saw a photo on television, and produced some pictures of the dog to show Humane Society officials he was the original owner.

The dog definitely remembered him, and "they were both very happy," Dillon said.

The Australian shepherd is the only dog not yet placed in a foster home, and one of the pit bull puppies has been adopted already, Dillon said.

The adult female pit bull proved to be in the worst shape, and court documents say she had to be carried because she couldn't support her own weight.

Dillon said the dog has put on some pounds, and her foster parents recently sent pictures to the Humane Society of the dog playing in the backyard.

"It's just going to take time," Dillon said.

Sheriff's deputies found the dogs Sept. 25 at a County Road 404 residence. They were responding to a report of animal neglect.

When they arrived, they saw several dogs tied to trees and noticed two dogs running loose, according to a probable-cause statement.

The animals, especially the pit bulls, were skinny, and rib bones protruded through their flea-covered skin, the statement said.

Some wore sharp-edged chains around their necks, and none of them had food or water. Lee told officers she couldn't afford to feed her dogs because of her financial situation. She released them to the custody of the Humane Society.

Lee could face up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000 if convicted.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the dogs should contact the Humane Society at 334-5837.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

388-3635