Probable Cause Found in Case Regarding Withee Man Attempting to Mutilate his Dog
Friday, July 25th, 2014 -- 1:03 PM
-Probable cause was found regarding the case of a Withee man accused of attempting to mutilate his dog.During the preliminary hearing in Clark County Court on Thursday morning, Assistant District Attorney Richard Lewis questioned Owen Police Chief Andrew Schade and Owen Police Officer John Stubbe.
Chief Schade stated that a dog was found on May 15th with a laceration to the right side of its lower jaw. Police believed the dog had been hit by a car so it was taken to the Owen Veterinary Clinic. Chief Schade said that the dog, named Sammy, required 60 stitches during the first surgery, but there was still a softball sized area they couldn?t close.
Officer Stubbe stated that he responded to the home of 65-year-old Charles Weissmiller, of Withee, that same day, after receiving a call the Weissmiller had mutilated himself. In searching for the body part Weissmiller had removed, they discovered pieces of flesh in the garbage with fur attached to it. Officer Stubbe had heard about the incident that morning with the dog and put two and two together.
When Stubbe questioned Weissmiller at the hospital, he admitted to trying to skin his dog alive because he didn?t want her anymore.
Weissmiller?s attorney Adam Raabe argued that the state statute says mutilation only warrants a felony charge when an essential body part is removed. The state argued that a part of the dog?s ear had been cut off equaling the felony charge and Clark County Judge John Counsell agreed.
Sammy is still alive and needed surgery and antibiotics to treat her injuries. Weissmiller has been charged with felony mistreatment of animals. A $3,000 signature bond was filed against him and he is not allowed to have any contact with or possession of any animals. Weissmiller will appear in court again in August.
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