Chamberlin gets his day in court
Rolled into a North Carolina courtroom in a green wagon, a pit bull mix named Chamberlin watched as one of two people accused of neglecting him so severely he’ll likely never fully recover was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Chamberlin, who Guilford County Animal Shelter officials said spent more than two months chained in a yard with little or no food — along with another dog who didn’t survive — was neglected to the point that his muscle tissue deteriorated, his bones fused and his claws circled back into his footpads.
Chamberlin, whose case led to a proposed law to make prosecution of neglect cases easier, called “Chamberlin’s Law,” entered the shelter over a year ago, and remains there, normally getting around on a cart that supports his front legs.
While he does have occasional outings, Wednesday’s might have been the most unusual of all.
Chamberlin was accompanied by shelter staff to today’s sentencing of Wilburt Morrison, Jr., 56. Morrison and his former live-in companion, Nellie Brock, were arrested last September and charged with two counts of animal cruelty each.
Chamberlin arrived at the Guilford County Courthouse in High Point atop a pink cushion in a heavy duty wagon, flanked by shelter staff and about 20 animal advocates.
When Morrison’s hearing began, the dog was rolled into the courtroom to the front row of seats.
(Brock rejected a plea agreement and will stand trial on the charges.)
Morrison’s attorney told the judge that Brock, not Morrison, was the owner of the dogs, and that Morrison had been ”under the impression that she would bring food to the dogs.”
He said the case was not as “black and white” as it appeared, and pointed out that, contrary to some earlier news reports, it was Morrison who called animal control to come get the dog.
Prosectors allowed a representative of Susie’s Miracle Fund — named after a burned dog whose case led to laws imposing harsher penalties for animal abuse in North Carolina — to read a statement. Upon its completion, the prosecutor said, “Finally, I would present Chamberlin.”
The black pit bull mix was wheeled into the middle of the courtroom, poking his head over the rails. After about 20 seconds of silence, he was pulled back to the front row.
Superior Court Judge John O. Craig, III, while he had some strong words for Morrison, accepted the plea agreement prosecutors offered.
Morrison in exchange for pleading to one count of animal cruelty (a second was dropped) was given a suspended 7 to 9-month prison sentence. He will spend 30 days in jail, and three years on probation. He was also ordered to make $1,000 in restitution to help cover Chamberlin’s medical bills.
The plea agreement also prohibits Morrison from having pets during his three-year probationary period.
“I don’t want him even to have a guppy,” the judge said. “Not even a pet rock.”
The maximum penalty Morrison could have received was 15 months in prison, because “Susie’s Law” had yet to go into effect at the time of his arrest.
Calling the dogs’ treatment “deplorable,” Craig said who owned the dogs was not the issue: “Even though the dogs may not technically have been owned by you, they were on your property and in your care.”
Chamberlin, with a member of the shelter staff
“They’re like children or elderly adults who can’t fend for themselves,” the judge added. “They are totally dependent on humans,” he added — and even moreso when they are chained, and unable to reach or seek their own food.
Judge Craig thanked Chamberlin’s backers for coming, but lamented that the same kind of support isn’t shown in cases involving the abuse and neglect of children and the elderly.
After the hearing, Nellie Brock spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, saying that, while the dogs belonged to her, Morrison was responsible for them.
“He put me out in May. He was responsible. Where I was at I could not take those dogs,” she said. She said she turned down a plea bargain because, ”I’m not guilty … I didn’t abuse my dogs.” A trial date has yet to be set.
Brock hugs Chamberlin
In the most awkward moment of the afternoon, Brock approached the dog outside the courthouse, knelt down and spent several minutes petting and hugging him before an animal shelter official interrupted.
“He’s a strong dog and he has a good will and he knows in his heart that I didn’t do anything,” Brock said. “I pray every night for him.”
(Photos by John Woestendiek / ohmidog!)
Posted by jwoestendiek September 14th, 2011 under Muttsblog.
Tags: 30 days, abuse, animal cruelty, appearance, chained, chamberlin, chamberlin's law, courtroom, deal, englect, guilford county, guilford county animal shelter, hearing, high point, jail, neglected, nellie brock, north carolina, pit bull, plea agreement, probation, restitution, rolled, sentencing, starved, susies miracle fund, wagon, wheeled, wilburt morrison
Comments
Comment from Tammy
Time September 15, 2011 at 10:10 am
I’m sorry honey..don’t pray for Chamberlin, he is surrounded by love and good people. You need to pray for forgiveness and for your soul. And pray that those that will sit in judgement of you on a jury trial will have mercy on you.
Also, when you pray make sure you say you are thankful that I am not eligible for jury duty again for 18 months.
Comment from Angela
Time September 15, 2011 at 10:18 am
so the dog was tortured and then made to see those that treated him so terribly again? Why was this necessary…just shock effect? Those involved should NOT get a plea deal….they should stand for all the injury they inflicted on this sweet innocent dog!
Comment from Pat Meredith
Time September 15, 2011 at 10:45 am
They both should have gotten more time. She knew her pupppy was there so no excuse will do. i am handicaped so I know how these animals feel, and they do have feelings… I hope and pray that the law will get stiffer for the mugs who make animals suffer…
Comment from DumpyDogDigs
Time September 15, 2011 at 10:51 am
Sad we turn our back on an animal that would never turn theirs on us. Needs to be way stiffer punishments. It won’t stop until it is.
Comment from KTMay
Time September 15, 2011 at 11:01 am
Nothing cures the heartache that one feels for this dog…nothing. This poor helpless creature ended up in the care of monsters. Nothing less than 20 years in prison would make me feel like justice was being served. Today’s animal abuser is tomorrow’s murderer.
Comment from Jenn
Time September 15, 2011 at 11:01 am
These people are obviously no good. They don’t deserve any more care and concern than they showed these dogs. Period.
Comment from lecia
Time September 15, 2011 at 11:52 am
They should be required to pay ALL expenses and support for the rest of Chamberlains life!!!!
Comment from Kerri Humphrey
Time September 15, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Not a harsh enough punishment, Brock is just as guilty.
Comment from Shelley Bright
Time September 15, 2011 at 12:26 pm
“Judge Craig thanked Chamberlin’s backers for coming, but lamented that the same kind of support isn’t shown in cases involving the abuse and neglect of children and the elderly…..”
Really? That sounds like a personal issue for only you at the moment, Judge which had everything to do with your personal pansy-ass ruling…you putz.
Comment from Tammy
Time September 15, 2011 at 12:33 pm
A slap on the wrist is all the punishment ? Poor Chamberlin got a life sentence and he was the VICTIM. The courts are way to easy on animal abusers…when are they going to realize that animals are living,breathing members of society,and not to be treated like trash .Judges have the power to change the laws,and make them better for animals…it’s a shame the two legged animals have more rights than the four legged ones…that’s not right.
Comment from Sharon
Time September 15, 2011 at 12:53 pm
The hugging of the dog was all for show!
Comment from Lucy
Time September 15, 2011 at 1:01 pm
I understand the judge’s comment that abused and neglected children and elderly do not receive the same support from the public. However, the parents and family are suppose to be the voice of these people and when they can’t or are the abusers, the legal system is step up to protect the victim and prosecute their abusers. However, unless humans step in, animals do not have an advocate in the court system. The penalties are small even though the torture and death of an animal is disturbing. I think the system needs more advocates for those who can not speak and defend for themselves including children, elderly, AND animals.
Comment from Myrene Guffey
Time September 15, 2011 at 1:40 pm
She had the nerve to go over and pet him??!! Someone should have knocked her out before she could touch him – they are both horrible people.
Comment from MJ
Time September 15, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Frankly, there is no need for that poor dog to continue to live when he cannot even walk and be a dog. He should have been humanely euthanized and the care he is receiving should be going toward more healthy and mentally stable dogs. It is unconscionable that they are spending this kind of time and money on one dog when it could have saved many more who have a chance at a real life.
Comment from SavannahsMom
Time September 15, 2011 at 2:08 pm
If that woman came anywhere near that dog while I was there I would’ve knocked her the &$%* out!! I know the shelter staff probably didn’t even realize it was her or I’m sure they would have to, it says they interrupted as soon as they realized it. They love that dog, Brock & Morrison should be required to pay his bills in full and should both go to jail for what they did. As the judge said, it doesn’t matter WHO owned the dogs, they were still theirs. The poor other dog didn’t even survive…so where does he fit in?!?!
Shameful.
Comment from jwoestendiek
Time September 15, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Yikes, MJ … If society ever gets to the point where it euthanizes those who don’t have use of all their limbs, I think I’ll cancel my membership. I’m told Chamberlin is learning to get around pretty good on wheels, and I’m not sure where you get the idea he’s not mentally stable. He was totally friendly and open to being petted by all yesterday — even his accused abuser. Humans can learn tons from how animals adapt to disabilities, and probably tons more from them about how not to be spiteful.
Comment from Deborah
Time September 15, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Judge Craig thanked Chamberlin’s backers for coming, but lamented that the same kind of support isn’t shown in cases involving the abuse and neglect of children and the elderly……I have heard and read similar remarks so often. It frustrates me that it is presented as those who have compassion for animals do not have the same compassion for their fellow human beings. This was a specific group united for a specific case / cause. Some among them may very well have demonstrated their support of childrens welfare and advocacy for the elderly.
Comment from phyllis sodroski
Time September 15, 2011 at 3:53 pm
I am not happy that there was a plea bargain and even unhappier that the other charge was dropped. I also wonder what was the point of the judge commented “that the same kind of support isn’t shown in cases involving the abuse and neglect of children and the elderly.” Frankly, I do not believe that just look at the Casey Anthony trial. Secondly, animal abuse, neglect, torture, abandonment of innocent animals who depend on our care is not taken seriously in our society and the lack of significant laws reflect this sentiment.
Comment from smoketoomuch
Time September 15, 2011 at 4:56 pm
So sad, what was done to those two dogs.
As I have often wondered (aloud, and on these pages), why do these people even get dogs in the first place? What kind of ‘bond’ could have possibly existed between those two poor neglected and abandoned creatures and the Cretins who “Owned” them?
Thirty days in jail is a disgrace. When will the judiciary learn that they are sending the wrong message? It’ll only stop when we as a society put our collective foot down – HARD.
Like marriage and having children, pet ownership too is just too easy a thing to do, and many do it with little or no preparation, understanding of the responsibilities, or concern for the damage to other feeling souls their carelessness causes.
Comment from Dawn M. Goodman
Time September 15, 2011 at 7:46 pm
I am glad that so many people appeared in court on Chamberlin’s behalf. Animals need humans to speak for them and rally for laws to protect them from abuse they can not speak for or represent themselves. Dogs are forgiving because they don’t understand everything happening around them, or who is responsible for their care or lack of it? Research studies revealed that dogs have a similar mentality to a two year old child, who are also forgiving of their abusers.
Comment from Barb
Time September 16, 2011 at 8:02 am
What bothered me was the judge saying that even child and elder abuse doesn’t get this kind of support. Well these animals have nobody but us to support them. I wish that they both would have the gotten the max sentence it would have been a start in the horrible way these animals are treated. Maybe one would think twice about what they are about to do to an innocent creature !
Comment from DOLLY AUSTIN
Time September 17, 2011 at 12:15 am
This message is for MJ (would not even leave your real name) that made the comment on 9/15/11 at 1:57 pm..saying that Chamberlin should not live because he cannot walk which is due to human stupidity is crap..hope you never get in an accident or some illness falls on you and you are not considered a “whole” person, let’s hope nobody wants to just put you out of your misery because of it!! And as far as that big $1.00 word you used (unconscionable)..here is a 5 cent one for you..you suck!!
Comment from Julia Littlejohn
Time September 19, 2011 at 10:58 am
Dogs, like humans feel. Dogs feel hunger, thirst, hot, cold, and pain. They feel a gentle touch, the gentle wind, a warm shelter, eating good food, and drinking clean water. They feel their whole body walking (even in dog wheelchairs), running, jumping, and lying comfortably during a cozy nap. Chamberlain, a champion of a dog, now feels good thanks to the heroic, loving care of his caretakers and supporters. I hope the inspiring films, showing Chamberlains wonderful success, can be shown to all students in all schools. And I hope we can teach all students, through books, film, and contact with dogs, that yes, dogs can “fetch”, “lay down”, and “heel”, but always remember ……..dogs can feel. Help them feel good.
In loving memory of another champion dog, Chamberlain’s dog companion.
Comment from Karen
Time June 6, 2013 at 11:51 am
I wish Chamberlin had of bitten her nose off.. I know, not a nice thing to say but what she did is hideous!
Comment from Teri
Time September 14, 2011 at 11:29 pm
I wish the sentence had been stiffer and I don’t think the judge should have allowed a plea bargain or dropped the second charge. The other dog died! We have a long way to go before we see the kind of “punishment to fit the crime” for animal abuse. The audacity of that woman to say she wasn’t responsible for her dogs because they were on his property! You can never assume that someone else is taking care of things, it is your responsibility to check it out yourself. I feed two outdoor cats that belong to a neighbor because they don’t take care of them. You don’t just walk away! Then she tries to look like she gives a damn by hugging the poor dog, unbelievable!