HONOLULU, Dec. 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last Chance for Animals announced that according to the Circuit Court, David Lee Becker, the ex-manager of the now closed-down Waimanalo Puppy Mill, is scheduled to be sentenced this Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 in Circuit Court at 9:30am in Honolulu. Becker is accused of 153 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty; one count for each animal confiscated by the Hawaiian Humane Society from the puppy mill on February 28, 2010.
In February, 2010, Last Chance for Animals (LCA) Special Investigations Unit went undercover to expose the grisly puppy mill operation, a rodent-infested property where dogs were caged in isolation in their own feces with no sign of veterinary or basic care. Footage was obtained and handed over to the Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) who worked with police to seize over 150 sick and injured dogs, most needing emergency medical care.
Earlier this year, District Court Judge David Lo imposed the maximum financial penalties possible under Hawaiian law against Bradley International Inc., the corporate parent company of Bradley Hawaiian Puppies who operated the Waimanalo puppy mill. The fines totaled $685,116.27 but the corporation has dissolved and no assets are available to pay the fines. LCA's SIU investigator, Andrew Bolan commented "LCA and the HHS are extremely disappointed that Vernon Luke (Bradley's mastermind) has managed to escape the charges and now has a new operation on the Big Island."
Becker, who originally pled 'not guilty', faced a year in prison and up to $306,000 in fines. On December 5, Becker changed his plea to 'no contest'. Animal advocates nationwide are nervous that Becker may walk. HHS, LCA and other advocate groups have launched advocacy campaigns to continue to raise awareness. LCA's Chris DeRose commented "It's an important precedent. If Becker walks, animal abuse will continue to be rampant." LCA will be in Honolulu on this week of the sentencing and is available for interviews.
About Last Chance for Animals (LCA) LCA, a national animal rights organization has been active for nearly three decades. LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty, launching public awareness campaigns, pushing animal friendly legislation and helping prosecute animal abusers.
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