Hawaiian Humane Society
Newsletter People for animals. Animals for people.
September – November 2017
Abuser who abandoned dying dog goes to jail When the trash lid closed on a dying dog, hope was lost for little eightpound Cheddar. He would soon be crushed in a huge, multi-ton compacting truck. Cheddar’s story was about to change when a tipster called 911 and the Hawaiian Humane Society. The Society’s humane investigators were hit with the stench of animal waste as they arrived to a Kahaluu home. At least a dozen dogs were living upstairs in small cages covered with feces in small wire cages, uncomfortable with constant confinement, causing cuts and bruises on paw pads, as well as problems to limbs and joints. Many were emaciated with matted fur, causing severe pain in dogs due to tangles yanking on the skin and tightening around as tails and limbs, harboring feces and urine which create sores and insatiable itching. Others were left in a room without light or ventilation. Thirty-three sick and starving dogs were rescued from this Kahaluu property for treatment, care and rehabilitation by the Society. Some had litters of newborn puppies. Most were unsocialized and frightened. The abuser faced one count of felony animal cruelty for Cheddar. On July
20, more than a year after Cheddar was rescued, Judge Shirley Kawamura sentenced James Montgomery to nine months of jail time and four years of probation during which he will be prohibited from owning animals and will be subject to home inspections. “The Prosecutor’s Office believes that crimes against animals are serious and offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Deputy Prosecutor Jan Futa, Trails Division Chief and animal advocate. “These cases are a high priority for our office and we take our role seriously. We were pleased that justice
In May 2016, a dog was found in a trash can left for dead. Today, Cheddar is healthy and thriving with his new family.
was served along with one of the stiffest penalties I’ve seen in my career for a crime against an animal.” This wasn’t the first time Montgomery had been caught hurting animals. In 2005, the Society rescued 64 dogs from similarly appalling conditions that were in the care of this abuser. He pleaded guilty to 55 counts of animal cruelty and was allowed to sell some of his dogs to pay his fines. However, this time around the Hawaiian Humane Society was granted ownership of the animals so that they could be adopted as quickly as possible into caring families who would give them the life that they deserve. Donations from supporters helped to fund this rescue, the civil case and expenses for their care to ensure these animals got the best treatment and future possible.