Decision to press charges on abused pit bull case won’t be until at least late Monday, attorney says
by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Sumner County Attorney Kerwin Spencer said he is waiting on a supplemental report from the Wellington Police Department, before he decides whether or not to press charges on the abused dog case.
A 3-year-old pit bull by the name of Blu is currently in the custody of a licensed Wichita animal rescue group over alleged domestic abuse by a Wellington couple.
Spencer said he expects the WPD supplemental report on his desk on Monday. If he finds there is enough evidence he expects to file charges by Tuesday. He is also busy procuring the official video taken of Blu produced by Beauties and Beasts, Inc., the rescue group that now has the dog.
“One of the things we need to determine is whether or not there are one or two suspects who could be charged,†Spencer said.
Asked if charges are a certainty, Spencer said he will not prejudge what will happen until all evidence is gathered.
The case involving Blu has caused a public firestorm on social media as well as extensive Wichita area media coverage. Allegedly, she suffered from broken bones, burns, neglect, and torture.
The Wellington Humane Society, which assisted in the rescue of the dog, is pushing for criminal prosecution of possible suspects using the Magnum’s Law – which would impose mandatory jail time of at least 30 days in jail and a fine of $500 to $5,000 and mandatory psychological evaluation for convicted offenders.
The local humane society has also sponsored an online petition which has now reached 4,681 signatures.
But Spencer said what is being said on social media or elsewhere will not have a determining factor on the decision making process.
“I will investigate all alternative explanations for injuries other than animal abuse before making any decisions,” Spencer said. “The worst thing we can do is jump to conclusions.”
Blu was discovered on Dec. 31 when WPD officers had entered the home on a domestic dispute concerning a separate issue.
The brown pit bull had broken her hip and at least one rib, and appeared to have chemical burn marks.
Phyllis Todd, a member of the Wellington Humane Society, said it appeared that Blu, either fell out or was thrown out of a pickup truck. Also, since the dog came to the humane society’s attention, the dog has lost significantly more hair across her body.
Randi Carter, who works for Beauties and Beasts, told KWCH-TV that she felt the dog was abused.
The veterinarian who cared for her, said when Blu came in she had a dislocated right rear leg and chemical burns all over her body, Carter said.
“I don’t see how this could’ve happened without someone assisting in it,†Carter said.
Carter told Channel 12 that they are going to drop the name “Blu†because, in her experience, that’s a name that is associated with negativity.
“So we’re going to name her Clementine, which is a name that actually means forgiveness,†she said.
She said Clementine will go through several weeks of physical therapy and recovery. She also said several people have already expressed interest in adopting her once she is healthy.
