On November 21st, a Washtenaw county jury found in favor of the Humane Society of Huron Valley in the lawsuit filed by Ralph and Melinda Hart. The lawsuit filed on June 2011 claims the humane society did not have authority to seize the Hart’s dogs. The lawsuit sought $1 million dollars in damages and the return of 13 dogs.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley speaks of the case on their Web site:
In essence, a couple forced 17 dogs, used solely for breeding and showing, to live their entire lives in cruel confinement–within a crowded garage in dirty wire bottom cages. The Cocker Spaniels had no form of comfort, minimal socialization, and a lifetime of veterinary care that never went beyond the preparation required for competition in the show ring.
Melinda Hart, President of the Detroit Cocker Spaniel Club, owns Hartline Cockers.