Elaine Shantey Williams, 37, of Sikeston was charged last Thursday with two counts of animal neglect, a class C misdemeanor, after two dogs were found severely emaciated and chained to a tree in her yard. The dogs had no available food or water and were both malnourished and dehydrated..
Williams was not at her Montgomery Street address at the time the dogs were seized from her property but was later located and arrested by Sikeston officers.
Bond was set for Williams at $5000 cash or surety with the condition that she has no care, custody, or control of animals. Although two other dogs were present in Williams’ home the day of her arrest it’s reported that those dogs are no longer there.
Williams posted bond on Friday. Arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 18.
Both dogs seized last Thursday remain in foster care pending the outcome of the hearing. It’s almost certain that they will be relinquished to the care of the Sikeston Area Humane Society, who will place them with a rescue once they have legal custody of the pair.
“This is one of the most obvious cases of neglect that I have seen in my career,” said Police Lt. McMillen. “Miraculously, somehow the animals are still alive.”
After the seizure the dogs went to the private residence of the Sikeston Area Humane Society’s director, Trace White, so that they could be monitored closely. Daisy the Great Dane, now named Traci, had a nice first evening on the couch, wrapped in blankets to maintain body temperatures and make her more comfortable. Kaylee received the same tender loving care.
Friday both dogs were seen by the veterinarian at Delta Veterinarian Clinic where they received treatment for parasites and were brought up to date on all needed vaccinations. Both will receive heartworm treatment at such time as their health allows. They were responding well to the care they are receiving and are less afraid of people.
Daisy had gained 5 lbs. overnight. She was still not able to stand on her own for a long period, but was showing improvement on Friday.
On Saturday Daisy began vomiting, was having diarrhea, and became extremely lethargic.
White took Traci to the Animal Emergency Center where she was started on IV fluids and a strict diet. She remained at the clinic overnight for fluids and observation.
By Sunday, Traci’s condition had improved but after careful consideration, she remained at the Animal Emergency Center for continued care.
Monday, White picked Traci up from the Animal Emergency Center and transferred her to Delta Veterinarian Clinic for continued IV fluids and monitoring. Her condition had greatly improved. She was responding to her name and following White around attentively.
Tuesday, Traci left Delta Veterinarian Clinic and returned home with White to be fostered until she can go to rescue. She had the chance to socialize a little with another Great Dane named Zeus, which she enjoyed.
With her continued healing Traci was ready to be out and about a little and went to work with White Wednesday morning at the Sikeston Shelter. She enjoyed a day of socializing and a lot of love from people who stopped by the shelter to visit with her. White’s personal dog, Butters, was ever present to watch out for Traci and happy to share a nap or two with her.
Karol Wilcox, Director for the Caruthersville Humane Society, visited the Sikeston shelter Wednesday and met Traci. “It was touching to see Butters so attentive to Traci and watched out for her the whole time we were there. Both are very sweet dogs,” said Wilcox.
Butters is a Pit Bull who visits area nursing homes and elementary schools with White to provide comfort to elderly residents and educate the younger generation about pet care. Butters is an outstanding ambassador for the Pit Bull breed, and it’s apparent, a nurturing dog as well.
Kaylee has remained in foster care with White since her seizure and is doing remarkable well. “She is eating so well and she has had no serious issues pop up at all,” said White.
It’s expected that Kaylee will make a full recovery.
Care for both Traci and Kaylee continues to be a major expense for the Sikeston Area Humane Society. Those wishing to make donations to the care of these dogs can do so by making monetary donations through their Paypal account, or by mailing a check to Sikeston Area Humane Society, 1900 Compress Rd., Sikeston, Mo. 63801
