Great Danes Owner Found Guilty On All Counts
One of the dogs seized from Christina Fay’s Wolfeboro mansion in June ~ Photo by Meredith Lee/The HSUS
Wolfeboro, NH – The woman, who stood accused of neglecting over 80 Great Danes at Wolfeboro Mansion, has been found guilty. According a press release from the United States Humane Society and Wolfeboro Police Judge Charles Greenhalgh convicted Christina Fay on all 10 counts of animal cruelty.
Judge Greenhalgh noted that a veterinarian experienced in investigating animal cruelty cases testified that “the conditions within the Defendant’s home [were] the worst she had ever seen.”
The 20-page order issued by the court stated:
“The totality of evidence, including pictures, video and testimony from witnesses in or around Defendant’s home, between the beginning of May and June 16, 2017, consistently show the same conditions. These included an accumulation of feces and urine, which was not cleaned and built up over time to a point that made walking in the home difficult. In addition, there was a pervasive ammonia odor, so strong that veterinarians and others with experience working in kennels, and with large groups of animals, were unable to remain in the home without taking frequent breaks to get fresh air. The dogs were forced to live in filthy, unsanitary conditions. Some were lying for many days in their own feces and urine and it was covering their coats.”
New Hampshire law states that upon a person’s conviction of cruelty, the Court has discretion to determine the fate of victimized animals. The Court will determine the matter of disposition of the dogs and restitution at the sentencing hearing.
Lindsay Hamrick, New Hampshire state director for The Humane Society of the United States, said: “Given the facts of the case and the compelling evidence the State presented, Judge Greenhalgh was right to find the defendant guilty of animal cruelty. The suffering these animals endured at Fay’s hands could have been alleviated much sooner or prevented if New Hampshire had stronger commercial breeding laws.” Senate Majority Leader, Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, with bipartisan support from half of the state’s senators, has introduced legislation to address these issues.
Wolfeboro Police Chief Dean Rondeau of the Wolfeboro Police Department said: “We are thrilled The Honorable Judge Greenhalgh handed down a conviction of 10 counts of animal cruelty. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to prosecutors Simon Brown and Timothy Morgan, as well as The Humane Society of the United States, Conway Area Humane Society and Pope Memorial SPCA for their incredible work and dedication to rescuing and seeking justice for these Great Danes.”
In June Police seized 75 Great Danes from Fay’s Wolfeboro home as well as 9 Danes at a Bartlett residence also owned by Fay after a complaint filed against Fay’s business De La Sang Monde Great Danes.
According to the Associated Press Lawyers for Fay say they’re disappointed in the verdict and plan to appeal. Fay’s lawyers said in a statement they’re disappointed in the court’s analysis of the facts and the law used to reach the verdict. They said Fay’s primary concern is the welfare of her dogs, and that she looks forward to the next step in the process. Fay is set to have a sentencing hearing scheduled within 30 days.
Fay will be scheduled for a sentencing hearing within 30 days.
