01-21-2005, 04:57 PM
LYNDONVILLE -- A Lyndonville teenager has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty as the result of a four-month sodomy investigation by Lyndonville Police Chief Jack Harris.
Jeffrey Plourde, 17, faces up to three years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Caledonia District Court on Feb. 28.
Harris said he is continuing his investigation and more arrests are possible.
The case was reported to Lyndonville police on Oct. 16 after Kacey, a 2-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, was struck by a car and suffered a broken leg.
According to a report issued by the Humane Society of the United States, Kacey made her way back home, and her owners took her to Companion Animal Care in St. Johnsbury for treatment of the injuries. During treatment for injuries suffered when hit by the car, the veterinarian discovered the dog had also been severely injured before the accident as a result of torture and cruelty.
Chief Harris said veterinarians discovered Kacey had been sodomized and her tail had been pulled 6 inches from her body and broken. The dog had also been strangled.
The injuries to Kacey were so severe, she had to be euthanized.
Harris has been pursuing the case and received information through Northeast Kingdom Crime Stoppers, from the Caledonia County Sheriff's Department and assistance from the public.
On Nov. 30, a $2,500 reward was offered by the Humane Society of the United States for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of whoever was responsible for Kacey's injuries. Cindy Cady, the local animal control officer, raised an additional $1,500 locally, bringing the total reward to $4,000
Jeffrey Plourde, 17, faces up to three years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Caledonia District Court on Feb. 28.
Harris said he is continuing his investigation and more arrests are possible.
The case was reported to Lyndonville police on Oct. 16 after Kacey, a 2-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, was struck by a car and suffered a broken leg.
According to a report issued by the Humane Society of the United States, Kacey made her way back home, and her owners took her to Companion Animal Care in St. Johnsbury for treatment of the injuries. During treatment for injuries suffered when hit by the car, the veterinarian discovered the dog had also been severely injured before the accident as a result of torture and cruelty.
Chief Harris said veterinarians discovered Kacey had been sodomized and her tail had been pulled 6 inches from her body and broken. The dog had also been strangled.
The injuries to Kacey were so severe, she had to be euthanized.
Harris has been pursuing the case and received information through Northeast Kingdom Crime Stoppers, from the Caledonia County Sheriff's Department and assistance from the public.
On Nov. 30, a $2,500 reward was offered by the Humane Society of the United States for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of whoever was responsible for Kacey's injuries. Cindy Cady, the local animal control officer, raised an additional $1,500 locally, bringing the total reward to $4,000
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