January 8, 2009
- Pasco, Washington
Leighter Takes the Stand in her Defense
By Molly Kelleher
An animal rescue organizer on trial for animal neglect. Closing arguments just wrapped up Tuesday afternoon, now it's up to the jury.
Brandy Leighter's attorney tried to convince a jury, this is a woman who spent lots of time and lots of money taking care of animals and she just got overwhelmed. Almost a year ago, Kennewick police served a warrant taking dozens of animals out of Leighter's home. Investigators say some needed water, food, and some were dead. Tri-City Animal Control Director Angela Zilar was there that day. Some animals were adopted out, some fostered and others had to be put to sleep. Zilar was subpoenaed to testify for both sides. She said Leighter has helped a lot of animals and was surprised by the filthy conditions at the house. The defense also offered Leighter's volunteers as character witnesses. But it was hard to ignore pictures of caged dogs and dead cats left decomposing in litter boxes. Leighter took the stand to answer the allegations. She claims the dogs were only in the cages over night and the two cats died suddenly. She admits leaving them in the litter box was wrong. Leighter hoped to convince jurors she never meant any harm to the animals in her care. The two day trail just wrapped up late Tuesday. The jury is now deliberating. |
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