Considering the number of sick and diseased dogs seized from John and Heidi Frasca’s J’aime kennels in August 2007, it’s unfortunate that the two are likely not to serve any jail time, will be allowed to own pets in the future and the charges will eventually be dismissed if the two comply with conditions set by the court.
Animal welfare agents and many volunteers worked for 51 days at the Buxton property owned by the Frascas to care for the 250 dogs ”“ at least 100 puppies ”“ and the winter in rented space in Portland to ensure the animals’ health and find homes for them.
Buxton Police Chief Michael Grovo, who called a news conference recently to discuss the plea deal, said he was outraged and disappointed at the outcome ”“ and we agree.
Despite the many challenging cases faced by District Attorney’s office, it seems there was ample evidence in the case to allow for harsher punishment. Many people were on the site and could have testified to the conditions of the animals and their living space.
Veterinarians who were on the scene said the conditions and animals were documented extensively.
If the Frascas comply with the conditions of their plea agreements, their records will be wiped clean and they will be able to own animals in the future. In fact, the agreement allows the couple to own up to four animals now.
In cases like this, animal welfare advocates said they look for a lifetime ban on animal ownership, so the situations are not repeated, which will most likely not be the case for the Frascas.
At the very least, a lifetime ban on animal ownership should have been a part of any deal made by the DA’s office.
In addition to the lenient punishment, no restitution payment has been ordered. It was estimated the clean up and care for the dogs and puppies cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless man-hours. According to reports, the state was only able to get back about $86,000 from the sale of the Frascas’ foreclosed home ”“ a process that was not a part of the criminal case.
The plea agreement shocked animal welfare workers, police and the general public. Much of that shock came from the lack of communication between the DA’s office and those who investigated the case. Those who took part in the investigation and rescue of the animals should have been consulted before an agreement was reached, and we are glad the District Attorney concurs, as she stated publicly.
We hope in the future the staff of the District Attorney’s office will fight for harsher punishment for people who mistreat animals, particularly on such a large scale, and push to ensure those people will not have access to animals again.
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Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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