Felony animal cruelty charges have been dismissed against Bernadette Hutcherson, due to lack of evidence. Last July, Hutcherson was arrested for allegedly killing her 6 week-old puppy by smashing its head into the pavement. Yesterday, the court dismissed the charges because the primary witness left the country, and was unable to be located. The District Attorney's Office will likely re-file the case if the witness becomes available.Source: Docket # 521079
Update 12/12: The preliminary hearing for Bernadette Hutcherson (Docket # 521079) has been continued to January 9, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 112 at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse located at 661 Washington Street, Second Floor, Oakland, CA 94607.
Bernadette Hutcherson, 19, was walking the 6 week old yellow Labrador retriever on a leash with some friends Sunday in the 1700 block of 28th Avenue.
Police say that for some reason, the dog angered Hutcherson, who began kicking it, causing it to flip over several times. She then picked the dog up and slammed its head into the pavement at least twice.
Animal cruelty charges can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. In this case the Alameda County District Attorney's Office (CA) charged Hutcherson with a felony because of the incident's vicious nature and Hutcherson's intent to kill, authorities said.
Having witnesses to this despicable act can only help the prosecution, but our voices must ensure the felony charges are carried out in court!
