State v. Mills, 1) Cruelty to Animals 2) Resisting or Obstructing Officers

Ms. Mills worked as a line locator for underground utilities. One day she was doing her job when a great dane startled her over a short fence. She waved the paint can at the dog in an effort to back it down. The dog’s owner called the police and gave them the number on Ms. Mills’ vehicle. The officer called Ms. Mills and said she would like to interview her regarding the incident. Ms. Mills said she would come down but never did. For exercising her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, the officer added the charge of R & O. This charge was correctly dismissed prior to trial. The animal charge went to the jury which quickly returned with a NOT GUILTY verdict.