Artest Blames Pet-Sitter For Animal Abuse Allegations

[TribalRats]

Kings Star Calls County's Seizure Of Great Dane 'Unfortunate'


SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Kings star Ron Artest spoke out Wednesday about allegations of animal abuse he faces, blaming the problem on someone he hired to feed his dogs while he is away on road trips with his team.

Placer County animal control officers seized a black-and-white Great Dane from Artest's Loomis home on Monday, accusing him of failing to feed and care for his pet.

If prosecuted and convicted of related criminal charges, Artest could face a fine of up to $20,000.

The dog is now being treated by a veterinarian.

"I'm looking foward to getting my Great Dane back," Artest told reporters at the Kings practice facility at Arco Arena.

Artest, who owns several dogs, said the problem arose while he was out of town with the Kings.

He said part of the problem is that his bulldog eats food intended for other dogs.

"The new dog-watcher that I have didn't separate, you know, the dog food like he was supposed to," Artest explained.

Artest called the county's decision to take the dog "unfortunate."

"The situation got out of hand," he said.

But it is not clear when Artest will get the Great Dane back.

"At this point, there is an investigation under way, so we will have custody of the dog," county spokeswoman Anita Yoder said Tuesday.

According to records obtained by KCRA 3 Investigates from Placer County Animal Control, Artest has repeatedly left his dogs unattended with no food for weeks at a time.

In July of last year, a neighbor filed a report with animal control alleging Artest left four of his dogs tied up in his yard with no food for at least six weeks.

A month later, another neighbor filed a report claiming the dogs had been without food for months.

In review of the records show that animal control has been called out to Artest's estate at least five times in the last eight months.

On at least two occassions, the dogs were impounded by animal control and Artest was billed more than $700 in fines and fees.

[StephanieandTeddy]

Methinks his neighbours are exaggerating a bit...

Still...a starving dog is a starving dog....and ultimately he is responsible for their well-being.

A proper pet-sitter would have dealt with the situation...not starved a dog...I can't see how he can blame the pet-sitter.

[rmci]

Ya think if you noticed that the dog was losing a little weight a redflag would go up for the sitter that the dog wasn't getting any food. But, for weeks or months? Come on.

[Beryl]

It is irresponsible, IMO. If it was only one incident, I could understand blaming a sitter. It sounds like this has happened way too many times for him to blame anyone. He should not get his dog back and the dogs he has should be removed from his care.