Update on Shawney-the chihuahua mix that was dragged by owner

Reptscue · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 11:56 PM

Shawney gets back on her feet at vet hospital
Custody decision still remains in cruelty case
By Karen Feldman
Originally posted on July 02, 2006
Shawney, the Chihuahua mix who made headlines when she survived being dragged behind the family car, remains blissfully unaware of the controversy surrounding her.
"She's doing fine," said Dr. Lisa Gote, the Cape Coral veterinarian who is treating Shawney. "She's very happy, seems to be getting along well and is eating well."
Although her leg remains in a splint, the tiny dog has started walking and enjoys resting at the feet of the front desk receptionists at Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital in Cape Coral, where she is being treated for a broken leg, and cuts and bruises.
Meanwhile, Judge Maria Gonzalez must decide whether the city of Cape Coral or the dog's owner, Jeffrey Candler, will get custody. She said on June 26 she would issue her ruling in about 30 days.
Candler is charged with one count of animal cruelty, a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
He testified in court Monday he loves his dog and the May 17 incident was an accident. Candler said he wants the dog back.
Although custody battles over pets are not uncommon, they usually involve dueling couples who both want the pet or Lee County Animal Services seeking custody in cases of abuse or neglect.
So why is Cape Coral seeking custody?
Animal Services handles the city's animal control issues, but it was Cape Coral police that responded when Robert and Arlene Keating spotted the dog being dragged about a third of a mile before the leash broke.
The dog wound up at Viscaya-Prado hospital.
As a result, Animal Services wasn't involved and so it had no legal standing by which to take custody of the dog, said Ron Dente, assistant city attorney.
He said it's the first dog custody case the city has taken on as far as anyone in his department can recall.
Custody cases are relatively routine, Animal Services Director Scott Trebatoski said.
"We seek custody every year, probably every month," he said. "It's not that uncommon."
But most cases never get this far because the department usually convinces the owner to voluntarily surrender the pet, he said.
Should the city win custody of the dog, Dente said it would turn over Shawney to Animal Services, which would use its usual procedure to screen people seeking to adopt her.
Dente said his office has had between 10 and 20 calls from people interested in making the dog part of their families.
"It's nice everybody is so concerned," he said. "I hope they go and adopt another pet. There are so many that need a home."
Trebatoski said his staff will look for someone who knows how to take care of a dog with medical issues and who isn't acting on impulse.
Gote said Shawney may need additional surgery on her leg and a plate in her wrist.
Whatever the outcome, Dente said he plans to seek restitution from Candler for the approximately $6,000 in medical expenses the dog has required as well as any future expenses related to her injuries.
Candler also may be liable for whatever expenses the city has incurred. Those figures were unavailable Friday.
Candler's attorney, Robert Branning, did not return a call for comment.