You remember Patrick, the abused and emaciated Pit Bull that was found in a Newark New Jersey’s apartment complexes trash chute.  The dog was found starved, covered with sores and skin hanging off of him.

The pooch that has captured the hearts of animal lovers around the world is now caught in the middle of a custody battle.  In a 40 page motion filed on Wednesday May 4th 2011, the Associated Humane Societies claim that it has legal ownership of Patrick.  The motion is attempting to overturn a judge’s order from last month that stated the dog would stay at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, NJ while Patrick’s abuser (Kisha Curtis) is tried for criminal abandonment.

On Friday May 6th 2011, Kisha Curtis who was charged with two fourth degree offenses for tormenting and torturing an animal (18 month max jail sentence) and two disorderly persons offenses (both carry a max six month sentence) pleads not guilty.  Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said, “At this juncture, the case is going to the grand jury.”

Do you think animal abuse laws are too lax?

*Johanna*

Source: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/05/custody_fight_emerges_over_abu.html

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2011/05/patrick-the-pit-bull-new-jersey-woman-pleads-not-guilty-to-charges-relating-to-animal-cruelty.html