FARMINGTON — An Ogden man will spend 120 days in jail after throwing six puppies from a moving car along U.S. 89, killing two of them and seriously injuring another.
Those who helped care for the surviving dogs said the sentence, while shorter than they had hoped, still sends a strong message about animal abuse.
The case dates back to Oct. 22 of last year, when Memphis Lor tossed the puppies out of a vehicle traveling at highway speeds in Davis County, between Fruit Heights and Layton.
Two of the puppies did not survive. One suffered severe injuries. The remaining dogs were rescued and eventually taken in by caregiver Cindy Blanchard.
She described the condition of the dogs when they first arrived as emotional and disturbing, especially seeing the puppies’ mother, who she said was extremely malnourished.
(Photo courtesy: Cindy Blanchard)
“It was very shocking to see an animal so skinny. She literally looked like a skeleton with skin hanging on her bones. She was that emaciated,” Blanchard said.
Blanchard called it the worst case of animal neglect she has ever witnessed and said the trauma has stayed with her months later.
“It was shocking that someone could intentionally starve a momma dog for months and months,” she said.
Lor pleaded guilty to seven counts of animal torture. In addition to the 120-day jail sentence, he was fined $750, and has to pay $5,329 in restitution. He was also ordered to serve three years of probation and is prohibited from having any companion animals.
Michelle Hicks, director of Animal Care of Davis County, where the dogs were taken, said she believes justice was served. She said the case sets a precedent in the community and highlights that resources are available for pet owners who are struggling.
“We are satisfied with 120 days. I think that provides real accountability,” she said. “People will see that it sets a precedent here in Davis County that we don't accept this type of behavior. There are resources. There are people that can help. What I would hope it would do is prevent this case from happening again.”
“We take it as a win today because most of these animal abuse cases, people get to walk free. They're on probation. Nobody ever does time,” said Blanchard, who is still scared by the emotional toll of what happened. “It is hard because that's something that I'll never, ever forget. It's something that still will haunt me for the rest of my life. I'm sure.”
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