SKOWHEGAN, Maine — A Clinton couple were charged with cruelty to animals after their neglected poodle was found in such bad shape that it had to be put down, police said Thursday.
Skowhegan Police Chief Michael Emmons said a passer-by noticed a small dog that had been abandoned in a gazebo near Pineland Drive in Skowhegan on Nov. 29. The dog was brought to the police station, and Officer Joshua King took the animal from there to the Somerset Humane Society in Skowhegan.
“Its eyes were matted shut with feces. It couldn’t walk. It couldn’t eat,” said Emmons on Thursday.
He said Somerset Humane Society Veterinarian Michael Wing concluded that the dog “suffered from chronic neglect, flea infestation and paralysis. The poor thing was in such bad shape that they had to euthanize it.”
Officer King “was very upset about the condition of the dog,” said Hattie Spaulding, manager of the Somerset Humane Society. “This is why he did great investigation work and pushed and pushed to find the owner of this dog.”
Paul Laudieri, 44, and his wife, Christina Laudieri, 44, of Clinton were summoned on Dec. 11, and each was charged with one count of cruelty to animals, a Class D misdemeanor punishable by fines and up to 364 days in jail, said Emmons. The couple had previously lived in Skowhegan before moving to Clinton.
The reason they allegedly left the dog?
“They were moving, and the new place would not allow them to have dogs,” Emmons said. “They felt that if they left the dog there, someone would find it and give it a chance.”
Instead, the lap-sized poodle didn’t have a chance, said Spaulding.
“[The fur] wasn’t just matted. It couldn’t even bend its arm because it was all fused together,” she said. “Its nails were sticking out away from its paws. It had been like that for a long time.
“She had a lot of tumors on her stomach,” she added. “We were able to determine that it was a female. It wasn’t even obvious what it was at first.”
Many at the shelter were emotional after seeing the dog’s condition, said Spaulding.
“A lot of workers were in tears and angry. They were very upset about it,” she said. “There was nothing the vet could do. This dog was already suffering enough. It was a shame.”
It was the most neglected animal she had seen that was still alive, said Spaulding.
The Laudieris are now on the shelter’s Do Not Adopt list, she said.
“[They can’t adopt] from here or anywhere else,” said Spaulding. “We just can’t believe that this still happens.”
The couple do have cats, she said.
“I want their cats out of there. They shouldn’t have any more animals,” said Spaulding.
The Laudieris could not be reached for comment late Thursday afternoon.
Spaulding said it doesn’t take much effort to take care of animals.
“Get their shots, brush their hair, give them a bath. Animal care is very simple,” she said. “There are lots of things you can do at home that doesn’t cost anything. I don’t like hearing that ‘we can’t afford it.’ Some shampoo, a comb, some water and food.”
Spaulding is asking those who come across a neglected animal to contact the local animal control officer, police department or shelter.
A court date has not yet been set for the Laudieris, said Emmons.
Karma !!
Poor animal they should have left him where he was and not taken him to where he would be killed.
Are you kidding me ? You cant seriously be that stupid !!!!! These owners should have been resposible pet owners and if they couldnt have HER where they were going then take her to a shelter or find her a good home. She was suffering and hopefully can rest in peace.So what if the place they moved to didnt allow children would they leave them behind and hope someone sees them and give them a chance too ? I agree with mecruzingmaine…..give them the max.
Are you for real this poor dog was in the worst shape the vet had ever seen the dog was suffering if the left him there he wood have starved froze or something worse at least by being euthanized he went to sleep peacefully.
Hopefully, when you’re old and can no longer take care of you, your family will not just leave you to die alone.
The reason they allegedly left the dog?
“They were moving, and the new place would not allow them to have dogs,” Emmons said. “They felt that if they left the dog there, someone would find it and give it a chance.”
Don’t spare the dime… Animal Abuse… give them the maximum!!
I don”t very often call names, but when it comes to a child or animals or elderly.being abused, I will !! my comment was deleted, because I called them the ba word, and said they should go to jail for a year, and have similar treatment done to them!!!Do you all not agree with this comment?
my comment was deleted, too … i suggested that the couple be euthanized as their dog was because they aren’t human OR humane
Ditto……I said they need an arse kickin.
Please consider making a donation to that shelter: Somerset Humane Society in the name of Officer Joshua King for his care and humanity.
What disgusting human beings! Anyone who could allow their pets(family members) to get in such bad shape are garbage. If you have to move to a place that doesn’t allow pets, take the time to find alternative housing and care for them or take them to an animal shelter! You wouldn’t leave a baby stranded, would you? Why leave your defenseless pet?! Come on, idiots!
They had no choice really because if they had taken the dog to an animal shelter they would have been charged much sooner. This dog had been suffering long before it was abandoned apparently. Hope they get the max sentence..both of them.
Glad that the vet put them on a list they can’t adopt and glad she wants the cats out of there! Good for her for speaking up for these animals that cannot.
I say someone should super glue their eyes shut, throw them outside in the cold, dont feed them and see how they like it.. I will refrain from swearing because I know it will get deleted but I am calling them every name in the book as I sit here and type this. Shame on you people, Karma is going to get you, so look out!!!
HOPE THEY DONT HAVE KIDS
Some people have no feelings for animals, but somehow they get a hold of one and treat them this way. Why in god’s name do people even bother to get one, if all there going to do is harm! I am a dog owner and it digusts me to know end!!!!!
I am just glad the poor dog got out of their hell home of a house. People need to speak up when they see people with dog’s in this condition.
I am happy the dog was able to get out of that house instead of trapped inside with those horrible people. I believe their whole family is accountable, including their kids who are all above age. People really need to report abuse like this.