Dogs Need Homes After Severe Neglect By Springfield Mother & Son
SPRINGFIELD (CBS) – A Springfield mother pled guilty to felony animal cruelty charges today that she neglected her dogs and puppies to the point of starvation. Her son will stand trial in late May on similar charges.
The 11 Pit Bulls, eight puppies and three grown dogs, were all described as emaciated. One adult dog was humanely euthanized because it was in such poor health condition.
The mother, Belinda Eaddy pled guilty in Springfield District Court to three felony charges. Her son, Ishmael Wilson is expected to face 11 felony counts of animal cruelty at trial.
The MSPCA Law Enforcement department charged the two in August 2010. The MSPCA's investigation uncovered severe neglect, called one of the "most severe acts of neglect" one law enforcement officer had ever seen.
The dogs and puppies were all sent to a rehabilitation care center, weighing between 20-30% of their normal bodyweight in the early stages of care.
Now healthy, most of the puppies and adult Pit Bulls have been adopted. Two adult dogs are still waiting for their future adoptive parents.
The dogs, Buddy and Forest, have remained in foster care through the Thomas J. O'Connor Center.
Potential adopters are urged to contact the center at (413) 781-1484.
