Pair Lied to Dog Control About Starving Their Pit Bull

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AVON – The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says that the duo who were arrested after an animal cruelty investigation lied to dog control officers when questioned on why one of their dogs, a pit bull named ‘Duncan,’ was found emaciated and wandering aimlessly on the side of East Avon Lima Road by a passerby.

According to a press release from Sheriff Thomas Dougherty, Christopher Thornton and  Hannah Rowlinson of Avon lied to dog control officers in the first stages of the investigation, saying that ‘Duncan,’ their 3 1/2 year old pit bull, had run away and was missing for one or two months, returning in the starving condition.

“When I picked him up, I think he was just ready to lay down and die,” said Alen Pease, who found ‘Duncan’ and renamed him ‘Lucky’ after the ordeal. “He looked lost.”

Sheriff’s Deputies interviewed Thornton and Rowlinson where they then to admitted that their dog was never missing. In fact, statements were taken saying that they were unable to properly feed Duncan, and at times he was only provided “some table scraps” for the entire day. This abuse apparently led to Duncan becoming emaciated and developing sores on his body from lying on his protruding bones.

Both Thornton and Rowlinson were arrested on Cruelty to Animals charges. They will appear in Avon Court to answer the charges. They are still in possession of another dog, since investigating Deputies found that this dog was not abused in any way.

Thornton and Rowlinson relinquished ownership of this dog and he is currently under the care of veterinarians. The investigation was handled by Deputies Mann, Williams, Truax, and Sergeant Joseph Breu, assisted by Livingston County Dog Control and the Perry Pet Veterinarian Clinic in Livonia Center.

Pease, of Livonia, says he wants to adopt ‘Lucky’ after his release from the vet, and friends who helped him say they are relieved that the dog is going to be ok.

“The dog is free,” said Kathryn Boor, a volunteer with Going to the Dogs Rescue in Perry. “It was nice to see three Deputies come and visit him at the vet’s and check him out. It shows they care and will take the time to investigate these cases.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Top – The pit bull, renamed ‘Lucky’ after receiving IV’s and medical treatment at Livonia Animal Care. (Photo/Livingston County Sheriff’s Office) Bottom – ‘Lucky’ in the car immediately after pickup by Pease. (Photo/Alen Pease)