New hearing scheduled in case of dog killed with ribs

A new hearing date has been set in the case of a man charged with killing his neighbor's dog.

Ralph Ziegler, of 1315 Ashland Hills Drive, faces one charge of animal abuse after allegedly leaving out a plate of poisoned ribs for Lola, his neighbors' German shepherd mix, in September.

Lola was owned by Brian and Mindy Hodges, who live several houses away from Ziegler. They have said they never spoke to the man.

They found a note in their mailbox about a month before Lola was poisoned telling them to "keep their barker quiet," the couple said, but only recently learned it allegedly came from Ziegler.

When Brian Hodges found the plate of ribs, covered with antifreeze, the couple rushed Lola to the vet, but she had already suffered serious damage to her internal organs.

She was euthanized a few days later on the vet's recommendation, and the Hodges incurred nearly $900 in veterinarian bills, they have said.

The case, set for arraignment Wednesday, has been rescheduled for Feb. 4, according to Al Lowes, attorney for Ziegler, to give attorneys more time to prepare.

Cape Girardeau Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said he does not know yet whether the case will go to trial.