Dutchess and Duke are two dogs held at the Estill County Animal Shelter, found hungry, sick and in solitary confinement. A rescue volunteer found the dogs and photographed them at the shelter 3 weeks ago, they were hidden in the back of the shelter out of sight of the public.These dogs was seized and held as 'evidence', nearly a year ago in an animal abuse case against a man by the name of Mr. Bowman, who was incarcerated. The year prior, he left his two dogs in the care of his girlfriend, who did not take proper care of the dogs where they were found by the police and seized by Animal Control.Finally, after 11 months, the case finally came up in the Estill County Circuit Court, with Judge Mc Clananan presiding. Mr. Bowman did not show up for his arrainment or the hearing on February 12, 2009, and thus, he was declaired a 'flight from justice'.At the arraignment hearing, a local citizen requested that the dogs be turned over to a rescue due to the poor care and treatment they received from the shelter so the dogs could receive all the veterinarian care and rehabilitation they have deserved for so long. The prosecuting attorney stated that the dogs "were in great shape". So the judge told the citizen to "get a lawyer" in behalf of Dutchess and Duke.Attorney, Bruce Wagner was notified and filed a restraining order so the dogs would NOT be killed by Animal Control at the shelter. In addition, an online letter was sent to Estill County Judge Executive Taylor, with over 50 signatures requesting the animals go to a rescue and not be killed. The letter also detailed serious health and welfare problems with the shelter. The Judge Taylor agreed to release the dogs to a rescue in Alabama. In addition, an online letter was sent to Estill County Judge Executive Taylor, with over 50 signatures requesting the animals go to a rescue and not be killed. The letter also detailed serious health and welfare problems with the shelter. The Judge Taylor agreed to release the dogs to a rescue in Alabama. However, at the final disposition of the case last week, the County Attorney requested the dogs be turned over to the shelter staff and let them do what they wanted with the dogs which was to kill them. A courthouse employee who was present reminded the 'sit in' judge of the previous restraining order. A formal motion was filed by the County Attorney to review and remove the restraining order and thereby allow the shelter to kill the dogs, for Thursday, March 5th, 2009.Duchess and Duke continue to be held without an outside veterinary allowed in to care for them, at the Estill County Animal Shelter. These dogs have NEVER been walked, or had any outside exercise since they were incarcerated at the shelter. Their paws are bloody and infected from nails that have ingrown and from the constant contact with cement flooring. Duchess eyes were sealed shut from infection, their stomachs bloated from worms and bones protruding from either lack of food or lack of medical treatment for worms and parasites. The county veterinarian was supposed to have visited these animals several weeks ago, though this is not documented. They will remain in these conditions until next Thursday, March 5th when their fate will once again be determined by the court.Save a Shelter Dog Rescue is trying to get the dogs to a local animal clinic, Woodstock Animal Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky where they can receive veterinary care and have their behaviors assessed to determine what form of rehabilitative care they require before they can be find their forever home.So, please show your support for 'Dutchess and Duke", so that they may get the care and rehabilitation that they have waited so long for... They should have a chance to experience love and care, when we are so willing to provide that for them.
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