Mary Kincer said two weeks before the dog’s death, which they called Dewey or “big guy,” the dog had been a healthy, 140-pound staffordshire bulldog.
Mary Kincer said it was while she recovered from a major surgery — and her brother worked 90 hours a week — that the dog’s health changed dramatically.
“The disease that he caught, even a healthy dog couldn’t fight off,” Mary Kincer said during an exclusive interview. “He wasn’t a puppy, he was 10 years old.”
Mary Kincer said by the time she realized the dog’s health had deteriorated there was nothing she could do.
“I wanted help, I couldn’t lay there and watch him die and then for the kids to come home from school and have to help me bury him in the backyard, that’s not fair,” Mary Kincer said.
Mary Kincer claims she and her brother got the dog shots, changed his food and called animal care organizations because they didn’t have money for a veterinarian.
Mary Kincer said she and her brother shouldn’t be the face of animal abuse and targets for protesters like these that rallied outside the courthouse before her arraignment.
Ronald Kincer could face a year behind bars if convicted on all charges against him. His sister could face two years behind bars.
A trial date has not yet been set.
UPDATE @ 11:13 a.m. (Oct. 29)
A Dayton brother and sister appeared in court today on animal cruelty charges.
The judge entered not guilty pleas today for Ronald Kincer II and Mary Kincer in Dayton Municipal Court.
The charges are in connection with their dog Lazarus that was rescued in September in Dayton and died in its sleep the next day of starvation and neglect, according to the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center.
A group of protestors from Ohio Voters For Companion Animals were outside the courtroom this morning.
A pretrial conference is set for Nov. 9.
According to the charges, the pair did knowingly commit an act of cruelty against a companion animal; negligently omit an act of care against a companion animal; and negligently deprive a companion animal of sustenance.
In addition, Mary Kincer is charged with obstruction of official business and falsification, also misdemeanors.
EARLIER @ 5 p.m. (Oct. 22)
Animal cruelty charges have been filed in the case of Lazarus, a dog rescued in Dayton that died in its sleep the next day of starvation and neglect.
The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center and Dayton Police Department conducted an investigation into this case, and misdemeanor charges were filed Tuesday against Lazarus’ owners, Ronald Kincer II and Mary Kincer, ARC reported.
According to the charges, the pair did knowingly commit an act of cruelty against a companion animal; negligently omit an act of care against a companion animal; and negligently deprive a companion animal of sustenance.
In addition, Mary Kincer is charged with obstruction of official business and falsification, also misdemeanors, ARC reported.
The Kincers will be arraigned Oct. 29.
UPDATE @ 4 p.m. Sept. 23
Lazarus, a dog rescued from East Fifth Street in Dayton, has died from starvation and neglect, the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center reported today on Facebook.
Blood test results were extraordinary in the level of neglect Lazarus had suffered, ARC reported.
“The starvation and neglect had taken their toll and his kidneys were not working,” the Facebook post reads. “Not only was Lazarus in organ failure, he was suffering from a systemic infection that would have been difficult for a healthy dog to overcome.”
ARC reports one of their officers is working with Dayton police to put together a criminal case against two possible suspects.
EARLIER (Sept. 22)
Officials with the Animal Resource Center are looking for information after a dog was found without any muscle mass and severely dehydrated.
The dog, named “Lazarus” by ARC staff, was rescued from the 2200 block of East Fifth Avenue in Dayton. When Lazarus was brought in, his temperature was 95.4. Clinic staff has been working on Lazarus since he came in, and he is now warming up and resting as he receives fluids and medication, according to a post on ARC’s Facebook page.
ARC is asking for information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call (937) 898-4457 or email animalshelter.Mcohio.org. At this time, Lazarus is not available for adoption.
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