Dog cruelity need more severity

SALISBURY -- A hearing scheduled for a Mardela Springs man charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect was postponed in Wicomico County District Court on Monday after the defense attorney said she had not received photographs associated with the case.

His hearing has been rescheduled for June.

Duane Terrell Strawberry, of the 25000 block of Elzey Brown Loop, was charged with 20 violations that include multiple counts of restraining a dog in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, animal neglect and cruelty.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.

Strawberry was charged in December after a Wicomico County Sheriff's deputy and Humane Society employees found a dead pit bull covered in feces with several open sores, according to court documents.

A necropsy report stated the 2-year-old dog, weighing 18.8 pounds, had suffered from pneumonia and had a large amount of hookworms.

The animal protection agency went to Strawberry's home after receiving several complaints that animal fighting and animal cruelty were occurring at his residence.

Law enforcement and animal protection employees also found several emaciated pit bulls restrained by large heavy chains, according to police.

"I could clearly see all of the dogs' ribs and spine," said Dr. M. Stein in a written report. "I could also see open wounds on four of the dogs."

No dog food, feeding bowls or water bowls were visible, according to police. The pit bulls drank the water that collected on trash can lids that were turned upside-down.

Police said they suspect Strawberry didn't walk the dogs because they walked around in their own feces, which had collected on their paws and in their hair.