Save China's Neck

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 Somerville, 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. "(The wound) was so infected, it cleared the office out," said Jim Wolfe, a volunteer at the animal shelter. "(The smell) was terrible." Judge Robert Lyons allowed Clark to care for the dog, provided that it is licensed and is not tied up. 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. "It was outrageous (and) incredible that a judge would give somebody like that back a dog when they didn't even take car of it to begin with," said animal lover Garri Guecking. Prosecutors said they objected to returning the dog to Clark but were bound to respect the judge's decision. However, Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper said Monday afternoon that he would refer the case to the appellate division in hopes of having the decision overturned. Do you agree with the prosecutors that he should not get the dog back? Do you think he should get put in jail? If so, sign this petition to put Clark in jail. Save China from ever having that happen to again.