By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-917777.mp3
Dallas, TX – The manager of the Dallas Animal Shelter is on paid leave and facing felony animal cruelty charges. KERA's BJ Austin reports the District Attorney promised vigorous prosecution at a news conference called by his "campaign" staff.
Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins says he has asked County Commissioners for a special Animal Protection prosecution unit. He says those who harm animals should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law - including Dallas Animal Shelter manager Tyrone McGill.
Watkins: This is an example of neglect and the fact that the person had an opportunity to make a determination to stop the neglect. The message is, if you're going to be responsible for an animal, take that responsibility very seriously.
According to court documents, employees of the shelter heard a cat crying and scratching, trapped in a wall of the shelter. They asked to remove part of the wall to free the cat. McGill denied permission. The cat died several days later. Because of the stench, a hole in the wall had to be made, anyway. If convicted, McGill faces up to two years in prison.
An email to the media said the news conference was official District Attorney business, but it was sent by Watkins' campaign manager. That raises questions about whether Watkins breached the traditional firewall between campaign and elected-office operations. Watkins explained that his regular public information officer is on vacation.
Watkins: And so we relegated that responsibility to folks in my campaign.
The D-A says it was an important issue he wanted to get out on the day of McGill's first court appearance.