Tag: cocker spaniel

Burbank family arrested in cocker spaniel stabbing

Maria Theresa Bodtcher in undated photo

Last Saturday, Charissa Bodtcher, 23, and her brother Timo Bodtcher, 18, were arrested for fatally stabbing their aunt’s dog in Burbank, California. Lt. John Dilibert of the Burbank Police Department described the scene as “pretty horrific.” Prince, the cocker spaniel, had been stabbed “numerous” times dying from his wounds. The siblings’ mother, Maria Theresa Bodtcher, 47, was also arrested after disposing the 8-inch knife in a nearby dumpster.

Prince reportedly nipped Charissa Bodtcher who came over to do her laundry. “It appears that when she’s come over the dog has tried to nip at her heels and has barked at her” said officer Dilibert. The three family members are being held on a $20,000 bond each as they face animal cruelty and conspiracy charges.

Update: Cockers rescued in Iowa story

The owner has now been identified as Mary Brodersen (Broderson?). Police executed a search warrant at her rural farm, 3975 Dean Avenue, Kiron, Iowa, yesterday morning. Ninety-two dogs were found (5 were dead) stacked upon each other in a small shed. “They were stacked three high so the excrement from the animals above would run or dribble down through on top of the dogs below,” said Jerry Dominicak with the Siouxland Humane Society.

In September of 2007, Mary Brodersen of Kiron, Iowa was fined $500 by the Platte Valley Kennel Club and suspended from the American Kennel Club for three months for “disregard of published club regulations and neglect at/or in connection with an event.” Brodersen, owner of Mystical Cockers, has competed at several events and owns or has owned the following cocker spaniels:

  • Mystical’s Absolute Legacy
  • NV’s Wyld Thang
  • Mystical’s Moon Struck Legacy
  • Mystcial’s Silver Lining Legacy
  • Mystical’s Butterfly Kisses
  • CH. Caroling’s Stun N Stammer EM
  • NV’s Time to Shyne
  • Mystical’s Tri My Dream

Cocker spaniels rescued from Iowa breeder

Officers in Sac County, Iowa seized 88 cocker spaniels from an unidentified breeder. Officers described the conditions as “deplorable.” Cockers had matted hair with feces and the smell was terrible. “It didn’t look like this facility was inspected by any jurisdiction,” said Josh Colvin of the Animal Rescue League (ARL). “These animals were basically being stacked on top of each other.” As many as six cockers are possibly pregnant. Colvin describes this as one of the worst cases of abuse he’s seen in the state. Police say charges are forthcoming. Cockers inspected by the Anamosa Veterinary Clinic had eye infections, sores, and severe dental disease.

The cocker spaniels were transported to various shelters throughout the region. Some stayed with the ARL. Four additional rescues will assist in care. Please make donations to the Cedar Valley Humane Society or the ARL. The cockers should be available for adoption in a couple weeks. None of them were aggressive. “This is great step in the direction of getting them adopted,” said Bob Citrullo, executive director of the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

Reward offered after cocker mix shot in Michigan

Police in Standish, Michigan are looking for those responsible in a dog shooting case.  Haley, a seven-year-old cocker spaniel/golden retriever mix was found dead along Highway 23 on December 29th, 2011.  She had been shot in the hind leg and above the eye.  Haley’s owner, Rob Rezler, had been playing catch with her just two days before when she ran off and never returned.  He wonders why anyone would want to harm her.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward in her case.  “The citizens of Standish should be very concerned that someone in their community could callously shoot such a gentle dog. We are hopeful that this reward will bring forward anyone with information about this thoughtless crime.” Please contact the Arenac County Sheriff’s Office at 989-846-3002.