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<br /> <br />Abuse/Neglect Charges for Surrendered Animals: <br /> <br /> <br />A. Intentional Harm or Gross Negligence amounting to intent <br /> <br />a. Neglect identified by one or more of the following: <br />i. Obviously emaciated (based upon a score on an accepted measure of <br />body condition) <br />ii. Clear neglect of obvious illness, infection, disease or injury including <br />severe parasitism and failing teeth <br />iii. Inadequate care for mothers with puppies or being bred <br />iv. Fur matting to the skin or embedded collar <br /> <br /> <br />b. Intentional harm identified by one or more of the following <br />i. Visible signs of physical abuse, broken bones, or other inhumane acts <br />(e,g. cigarette burns), <br />ii. Suspected use in animal fighting or as a bait dog for training for fighting <br />iii. Traumatic injuries including sexual abuse as well as the above <br /> <br />These incidents should lead to a finding by Animal Services of Intentional Harm or Gross <br />Negligence and may well result in legal action, including referral to the District Attorney DA for <br />prosecution, the person being put on a permanent ‘do not adopt’’ list, and his/her information <br />shared with other shelters in the area, and on a FYI basis with surrounding counties’ Animal <br />Services. <br /> <br />Individuals falling in this category will be notified of the finding, and will be given an opportunity <br />to appeal the finding of Intentional] Harm or Gross Negligence to the Hearing Panel. <br /> <br /> B. Unintentional harm or common negligence <br /> <br />1. A significant lapse of vaccinations (i.e., greater than 6 months) or absence of <br />vaccinations. <br /> <br />2. Overgrown toenails, mild signs of fur matting, minimally underweight; etc <br /> <br />3. Repeated animal surrenders within a period of several years.. <br /> <br />These individuals should not face legal action but may be placed on a temporary 12 month ‘do <br />not adopt’ list, if warranted in the judgment of Animal Services. Animal Services may notify <br />surrounding counties’ Animal Services departments if warranted. Such individuals may appeal <br />to the Hearing Panel the imposition of a temporary ban on further adoptions. <br /> <br /> C. Neglect due to financial hardship.