Convicted Animal Abuser Gets Abused Dog Back
Activists Outraged By Release To Owner

OXFORD, Ohio -- A man who was convicted of animal cruelty will be allowed to get his dog back, but he must follow a list of conditions to care for the animal.
Otis Clark, of Oxford, pleaded no contest last month to charges related to the abuse of his 2-year-old dog, China, and he petitioned to get it back.
The dog was found with a chain so deeply imbedded in its neck, it required surgery to remove it.

Judge Robert Lyons allowed Clark to care for the dog, provided that it is licensed and is not tied up.
Read the judge's requirements
The dog also must be checked every 90 days by a veterinarian, and if Clark does not comply with the judge’s orders he will be considered in violation of his probation.
Clark must read a book on dog care given to him by the court and is subject to random home visits by a probation officer.
If he violates the terms of his probation, Clark must forfeit the dog and would face up to 180 days in jail.
Animal activists are angry that Clark was able to get the dog back, blaming the prosecutor and judge for engaging in a "closed door" deal with Clark.

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Veterinarian lawmaker pushing for changes

Associated Press - August 11, 2007 10:55 AM ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A veterinarian who doubles as a legislator is pushing for changes in the state's animal protection laws.

Republican Shawn Webster of Hamilton wants a law to forbid judges from returning dogs to neglectful owners. That's at the urging of Butler County auditor Kay Rogers -- whose office handles dog licensing.

Webster's plan also requires a hearing within 21 days if a live animal is held as evidence.

Rogers and Webster came forward after a pair of Butler County dogs -- Hope and China -- were found with their tethers embedded in their necks.

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