Wednesday July 23, 2008, 1:35 pm
The decision to send China back to her abuser sends a horrible message to the community. It says that animal cruelty and neglect are tolerated.

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 1:41 pm
Can't someone do something about this? The judge should be disciplined, the dog removed to safety. No reasonable court should operate in this manner - to proceed without all parties present is bad enough but to not even notify them of hearing time changes is reprehensible.

This poor dog. Would a lot of letters to the judge, or maybe the local papers help?

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 1:42 pm
Clark walked into the Humane Society on Saturday, August 4, with the court order, and demanded the return of the dog he had so horrendously abused. Because of the court order, Clark was given his dog. Is this a recent story?

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 1:49 pm
i think it's from last year - sorry. I just read it today

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 2:08 pm
Well, that was hideous! I wonder if the poor dog is still alive.

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 2:56 pm
This grotesque story just gets worse!
"Last year, after getting a cruelty complaint against Otis Clark, Jr., his dog "China" was confiscated from him and placed into the care of Leland Gordon, a local humane society officer (513) 867 - 5005, but after adjudication of the case Clark was convicted of animal cruelty and put on probation. Amazingly, "China" WAS RETURNED to Clark! However, one of the terms of Clarks probation was that he take proper care of the dog and keep his vet appointments.

More recently, the town dog warden and a probation department officer went to Clarks home to visit with him and "China." According to the officers, "China" was found dirty and living in dirty living conditions outside in a pen.

During the course of the visit, it was discovered that Clark was in violation of TWO terms of his terms of probation regarding "Chinas" care. For one, she did not have a current 2008 license on her which was required by January 31 of this year. Secondly, Clark had also not taken her to regular vet visits which were also required under the sentencing terms of his 2007 animal cruelty conviction. Based on these two violations, Clark was issued an appearance ticket to go back before Judge Lyons and answer to the two violation of probation charges. Amazingly, Judge Lyons imposed only an $80.00 fine, and no jail time! During the interim of waiting for his hearing date to come up on the violation charges, Clark claims to have SOLD the dog!"
They won't say who to,or allow Animal Control officers to check on her - it's very worrying,the full,outrageous story is on this petition -

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/where-in-the-world-is-china-ask-judge-lyons

http://tinyurl.com/56wg3c

(1st time I've tried this - not sure if it it will work)

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 2:57 pm
Oh,well - back to the drawing board!

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 3:04 pm
China NEVER should of been returned to his 'owner'!!! I hope China is still alive and doing well and hopefully with a different owner.

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 4:12 pm
I just sent Animal Friends Humane Society an email asking if they had any updates on how China is doing. Will let you know if I hear anything back.

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 4:49 pm
This is what I recieved back in email... http://animalfriendshs.org/news/ It may be same info that Pam posted... for some reason my 'puter won't let me open links. Grrrrrr...

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 6:11 pm
if you do, please let us know! I sent an email as well... let's see what happens

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 11:07 pm
Below are articles about China at... http://animalfriendshs.org/news/...
Mon. May 14th, 2008— Where in the world is China?
Mon. May 14th, 2008— LELAND LIVE WITH BILL CUNNINGHAM ABOUT CHINA

Thursday July 24, 2008, 7:39 pm
i can only hope that this poor dog is safe and away from that horrible man.

Thursday July 24, 2008, 7:41 pm
This is unbelievable!

Thursday July 24, 2008, 8:32 pm
That judge needs to be colared.

Thursday July 24, 2008, 8:50 pm
Noted. Signed this new petition #108. This is an outrageous decision by the judge. As discipline the judge needs to be removed from the Bench, and sent for some real working experience at the Humane Society's animal rescue centre.

Is it too late for an appeal by the Humane Society? Does anyone know how China is today?

Friday July 25, 2008, 8:17 am
What?! That's horrible...good judgement, booo!