AKC judge

[damaya]

Accused of animal cruelty. No better tnan Vick or anyone else who has been convicted of this.

American Kennel Club Judge Accused of Animal Cruelty, Neglect

Jupiterimages/Thinkstock(SEATTLE) -- An American Kennel Club judge could be facing charges of 14 counts of animal cruelty after more than 60 dogs were seized from her home, police said on Thursday.

Authorities in Kings County, Wash., say they could bring charges against Margie Hamilton as early as next week. The King's County Sheriff's Department seized 62 dogs from her home, 15 of which had to be euthanized because they were so ill.

The investigation was sparked by a video sent anonymously to Pasado's Safe Haven, an animal rescue group. The rescue group conducted its own investigation first, finding 38 additional dogs that they believe belonged to Hamilton at a different location. Members then turned over what they found to authorities.

"We were shocked to find out her status in the animal world. She spent decades in the animal world, not only as an AKC judge but involved in many dog groups. So it's shocking to see this kind of neglect coming from a person who has so much experience in the animal world," said Amber Chenoweth, spokeswoman for Pasado's.

Chenoweth said the dogs were living in small kennels, stacked up on top of one another, and filled with feces and urine. The dogs were mainly Pomeranians, Chihuahas and Japanese Chins, she said.

"She has owned some of the top Chihuahuas in the world. I wonder if the dogs stuffed in the basement were past show dogs that were not making money anymore," she said.

All three breeds are listed on the AKC website as breeds that Hamilton is approved to judge in dog shows.

The surviving dogs have been placed with an animal sanctuary and are up for adoption.

Hamilton, of Issaquah, Wash., said on the advice of her attorney that she would not comment on the investigation while it was ongoing. She did say there was "a great deal to the story," and she looks forward to commenting when the legal process is finished.

Hamilton is listed on the AKC website as having judged dog shows in Washington, Utah, and California in past years.

[Dainerra]

Kennel Club Judge Faces Animal Cruelty Charges - ABC News

is a link with video

[MaggieRoseLee]

Hope the AKC boots her out as a breeder and a judge....

[ladyfreckles]

Originally Posted by damaya

Hamilton, of Issaquah, Wash., said on the advice of her attorney that she would not comment on the investigation while it was ongoing. She did say there was "a great deal to the story," and she looks forward to commenting when the legal process is finished.

Hamilton is listed on the AKC website as having judged dog shows in Washington, Utah, and California in past years.

Woah, what? This happened in my town? That's nuts. I'm not sure how she's going to talk her way out of having 60 dogs though. If I recall correctly, that's illegal in the state of Washington. There are strict limits on how many animals you can have. I'm surprised she wasn't busted way sooner.

Some people are just sick.

[Anastasia]

Proof that you can't judge a book by it's cover!

[wyominggrandma]

If she actually gets found guilty the AKC will ban her from breeding and judging. However, if she somehow talks herself out of it, saying the dogs were just there boarding or some such nonsense, then she might get away with it, no charges and not being banned from AKC.
After looking at the video, lets hope they nail her with everything they can.

[wyominggrandma]

Bet there are some AKC shows now desperately looking to fill in her judging assignments, even before it goes into further investigation. As soon as it get out publically, even if she tries to judge, there will be nobody in her classes, at least I hope not.