If the following press release ends up getting covered by any of the local media outlets, it stands a good bet that you are acquainted at some level with the Friendly Neighborhood Humane Officer involved in this all-together awesome of a happy ending, more than two years in the making.
JUSTICE FOR KING
2015 Animal Cruelty Case Results in Conviction
Los Angeles — Rather than stand trial on April 28, 2017, Marcus Kemp (DOB 11/15/1965) entered a no contest plea to one misdemeanor count Penal Code 597(b), animal cruelty, at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (Division 47) for his part in the suffering of King, a four-year-old pit bull mix dog in his care. The terms of Kemp’s probation include 36 months summary probation, $250 fine plus penalty assessment, and 16 animal cruelty classes, among other conditions (Court Case #6CJ01732). The charges are the result of an investigation by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA). The case was prosecuted by Michelle H. McGinnis, Supervising Deputy City Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division.
In April 2015, spcaLA Humane Officers responded to an animal cruelty tip on the 800 block of E. 109th Street in Willowbrook. In the backyard of the residence, they found King tethered to a cyclone fence by a heavy metal chain . Fatigued but alert, King was underweight and had a severe ligature-type wound to his left hind leg resulting from becoming entangled in the chain to which he was unlawfully confined. This injury resulted in undue suffering and neglect. Criminal charges were filed against defendants, Kemp and Keesha Price (DOB 11/26/1970) in March of 2016. Price later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
While in the care of spcaLA, King recovered from his injuries with proper veterinary care and nutrition. Despite neglect at the hands of his former human companions, King remained a happy dog who loved to play and receive affection . In February 2016, King was adopted into a loving home.
spcaLA is the only private animal welfare organization in Los Angeles that is also Law Enforcement. spcaLA Humane Officers hold the same powers of Peace Officers in the state of California when investigating animal cruelty. spcaLA is a non-profit agency that relies on donations for its programs and services, including animal cruelty investigations. To donate, please visit spcaLA.com or call 323-730-5300 x233.
For more information, please contact Miriam Davenport at 323-730-5300 x233, 323-353-4658 cell or mdavenport@spcaLA.com.
Since 1877, spcaLA has been the premiere independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California. There is no national SPCA, parent organization, or umbrella group that provides financial support to spcaLA. Donations run programs and services including Cruelty Investigation, Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.
Bonus video of King romping about: https://youtu.be/YvHSQ6_qi4E
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