Maria Christina Fay's trial regarding the animal cruelty of 84 Great Danes rescued from horrendous conditions at her Wolfeboro, NH mansion, has been postponed.
The trial scheduled for August 23rd, at the NH Circuit Court in Ossipee, has been pushed back to October 25th, following a motion for continuance approved by presiding Judge, Charles L. Greenhalgh.
The motion was filed by Christina Fay's attorney, James P. Cowles, as he will be away on vacation. The motion states, "Defendant's counsel will be on vacation, and not in New Hampshire, from Aug. 18 to Aug. 28."
While Atty. Cowles is away on vacation, the 84 Great Danes will continue to receive medical treatment, behavioral enrichment and care from the Humane Society of the United States, while they recover from the horrific cruelty they endured. This continuance will further delay their adoption by forever families.
We can only hope that this is not a sign of what is to come, as it is beyond undesirable to have a feeble presiding judge who doesn't recognize the gravity of an animal cruelty case, especially one of this magnitude.
Although Fay's arrest was for two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, the prosecution can certainly add additional charges and the Wolfeboro, NH Police Department doesn't have any intentions on leaving any possible charges uninvestigated.
Wolfeboro Police Chief, Dean Rondeau has expressed that Fay could be facing several counts associated with neglect and maltreatment, plus possible federal charges. The additional charges could include zoning violations, environmental charges and civil charges for failing to have the dog's vaccinated for rabies.
According to the paperwork from NH Circuit Clerk, Elaine J. Lowe, three hours have been scheduled for the arraignment on Oct. 25th. It certainly seems they are going to need a lot more time than that.
Want To Help?
Official HSUS Great Dane Donation Wish List here.
Image Source: Photo Still From Great Dane Rescue Video, Documented By The Humane Society of the United States
