PRESS RELEASE: Cheyenne Animal Shelter
The Cheyenne Animal Shelter announced today that it has been awarded ownership of the 27 remaining Shih Tzus formerly owned by Linda Curl. Ms. Curl appeared in circuit court today before Judge Catherine Rogers and entered a plea of no contest to the animal cruelty charge against her. Ms. Curl was sentenced to five years probation, during which time she is restricted to owning no more than one domestic animal.
"We are very pleased with the outcome of this case", said Max Maxfield, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter's Board Chair. "We are glad that Judge Rogers passed a sentence that will ensure this situation of animal neglect does not recur with this pet owner. And the shelter staff is delighted to finally be able to move forward with placing these dogs into homes."
The Cheyenne Animal Shelter's staff and numerous community volunteers have cared for these dogs since November 9, 2012, when they arrived at the shelter in a state of severe neglect. All of the dogs were extensively matted and covered with urine and feces the night they arrived. In addition to grooming, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter staff has provided much-needed medical care and socialization for these dogs. Now that the ownership of the dogs has been turned over to the shelter, many of them will need to undergo additional medical procedures, including neutering, dental cleaning and knee surgeries for some. "The staff has shown tremendous dedication and compassion in caring for these little dogs and their reward will be seeing them adopted into loving homes", said the shelter's CEO, Bob Fecht. The shelter has a list of interested adopters and will begin contacting them tomorrow. Anyone interested in adopting one of these dogs or making a donation to help cover the costs of their care, should contact the shelter at 307-632-6655 or visit www.cheyenneanimalshelter.org.
