MALONE — A Malone woman was charged this week with animal cruelty for allegedly kicking a puppy so much that his legs were broken.
Shannon M. French, 41, who is also known as Shannon Tucker, was charged by Malone Village Police with aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly harming a German shepherd puppy, Barkley.
Barkley needed surgery to fix his damaged legs and was recently the subject of a plea for donations on the Facebook page of the North Country Animal Shelter. Donations from all over the country were made to the agency’s online account, and Barkley had the first of two leg surgeries last week.
Village Police said French came to the Police Station to make a statement about the case and was later arrested. She is to appear in Town Court Aug. 28.
The charge is a felony count and could be transferred up to County Court.
Animal Shelter Director Shirley Morton, who has been caring for Barkley at the shelter since French signed him over to her, said she was pleased to know there was an arrest because it brings the issue to the forefront.
“I think it’s great the Village Police took the initiative and investigated this animal-cruelty violation,” she said.
“It’s important because there is a correlation between animal abuse and instances of spousal abuse and child abuse, and we’re not paying attention (to the issue),” Morton said.
Barkley is in his second week of recovery, and “it’s hard to keep him quiet,” she laughed. “He thinks he’s Hercules.
“We’re trying to keep him entertained and quiet. It’ll be a few more weeks before we get ‘the lamp shade’ off him, so for now, we’re just trying to keep him quiet.”
Barkley and his shelter buddy, Bailey — who recently had one of his front legs amputated after being struck by a car — are expected to be the guests of honor during the shelter’s fundraising Pet Walk on Sept. 15 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
She said Bailey has gained 8 pounds since his operation and has become more used to getting around on three legs.
SEPARATE ARREST
Another animal-cruelty arrest was reported in Franklin County recently. Malone-based State Police said Cody G. Woodworth, 21, of Burke admitted that he used a broom handle to strike a bull in the eye at 142 Hunter Road. The officer who arrived at the site said he observed blood around the bull’s right eye and said that it was obvious it had been hit. Police said Woodworth provided no reason for the attack.
He was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals. The case is being handled through Constable Town Court.
— Staff Writer Miranda Orso contributed to this report.
