MEMPHIS, TN – The owner of a dog that died in the hands of a Memphis animal control worker wants to know why the former city employee has yet to be charged.
Charles Mitchum’s dog died on July 12, 2011, after Demtria Hogan, against MAS policy, took more than 2 hours to bring the dog to the shelter. She reportedly drove around the city during that time, aware police had a warrant to arrest her for another case of animal cruelty.
“The vet said the dog died of heat stroke, so it was her fault. That is all there is to it,” said Mitchum.
Hogan was sent to an injured dog call. According to Hogan, the dog was critically injured, but Memphis police officers on the scene said the dog was not visibly injured.
Newly released city records say Hogan made false statement about the condition of the dog. And if the dog really was critically injured, then her failure to immediately bring the dog to the shelter was inhumane, animal cruelty and unlawful according to shelter guidelines.
Given that fact, Mitchum said Hogan should be charged.
“He would have been fine if she would have just taken him in,” said Mitchum.
Mitchum is concerned the city is not taking this situation seriously.
“I feel the city is going to let this slide. Another dog died and they don’t care,” he added.
Hogan is facing animal cruelty charges in another case. In that situation, a dog in her care named Kapone disappeared.
A Memphis Police spokesperson was unable to explain why Hogan has not been charged with animal cruelty for the death of Mitchum's dog.
