[fearlessknight]

This pit bull terrier died hours after it was seized from a Middletown home Tuesday, March 25. According to authorities, the dog had been chained outside in the back yard, was malnourished and died of an apparent grand mal seizure despite resuscitation efforts. A second dog also was removed from the home.

MIDDLETOWN — A Middletown father and son men spent Thursday night in jail after the pet pit bull they're accused of neglecting died hours after it was seized.

The dog was kept chained in the back yard of a home in the 300 block of Moore Street.

"She was really bad — very malnourished," said Liz Lucas, Middletown animal control officer. "She had some serious neurological issues. She would shake so bad there was no way for her to eat or drink."

Lucas took the dog to the Animal Friends Humane Society in Trenton Tuesday, March 25, where staffers were able to feed the dog by hand. But two hours after arriving, the dog suffered a grand mal seizure and died, despite resuscitation efforts, Lucas said.

A second pit bull at the home, which wasn't malnourished, was taken in by relatives of the men.

The dog's owner, Brian Barrett, 27, and his father, B.G. Barrett, 52, both were charged with cruelty to companion animals. Brian Barrett also was charged with two counts each of improper confinement, no liability insurance, improper chaining and unlicensed dogs.

Leland Gordon, executive director of Animal Friends, said the men treated the dog like a "lawn ornament" and he hopes Thursday night won't be the only one they spend in jail.

"A dog doesn't get that thin overnight," he said. "You could see all its bones."

Gordon said his shelter provides assistance to people who are having trouble feeding their cats and dogs.

Lucas was glad that at least the pit bull didn't die alone.

"She was so sweet," she said. "For the last two hours of her life, she got loved on."

http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/c...08pitbull.html

[FlynnFlynn]

These are some of the types of people who are attracted to owning pit-bulls. Then, if and when the dog matures it's of a conditioning and mental state where it may very well aggressively bite another dog or human. And so the stereotype continues . . . a$$holes.

[Mollie's Nana]

I agree with FlynnFlynn... and so the cycle continues... just as with child abuse. As a child, I, and my siblings, suffered greatly at the hands of our abusive father. Even though he is dead now, to this day, I refuse to refer to him as 'dad'. When I grew up, I had the mental ability to decide whether to continue, or break the cycle. For me, I broke the cycle, many abused children do not.... For dogs, unfortunately, they do not have the mental capacity to decide whether to do right or wrong, and unfortunately, they react, mostly, according to how they have been treated. It is extremely sad for this beautiful pup, hopefully, the other will pull through. As for the father, what a great example he has set for his son, and the son, if he ever becomes a father, will probably teach his son to do the same. Hopefully, they will receive jail time and realize that a dog (pit bull or poodle) isn't a yard decoration, but a living, breathing creature capable of experiencing pain and suffering. It would be nice to see both father and son receive some pain and suffering in return for their actions.

[Michele]

I've always been one for "an eye for an eye" withregard to any kind of abuse situation. What you give, will be given to you.

[fearlessknight]

Originally Posted by Michele I've always been one for "an eye for an eye" withregard to any kind of abuse situation. What you give, will be given to you.

Hell ya..like the old days....
you steal they rid your fingers.....
you trespass they rid your feet......(I am not sure about that one....only heard)
you rape, they rid you period.....

I like an eye for an eye!

[Miakoda]

The good news is that this owner will be punished. (if they don't do it, I'll gladly do it)

The bad news is they just had a case where parents refused to allow their daughter get medical care/treatment from the age of 3 on. The girl just died at age 11 (or was it 13?) after going into a diabetic coma and suffering for months on end due to the ravages of the disease. Their excuse? They relied on prayer and believed prayer was all that was needed. The worst part? Chances are they won't be charged due to their right to practice their "religion"....even though it killed their child. So a child dies of neglect and no one pays the price other than the child.

[dana morgan]

Very sad world we live in!! Poor baby. Let's just starve those assholes!! R.I.P. beautiful one.

[Alma]

R.I.P sweet girl.

People suck.