Orlando, Florida, November 2003, 2 Great Danes Found Within Hours of Death, Starving

Meghan T. Powers, 22 (DOB 9/15/1981) was charged Tuesday, November 11th with Confinement of Animals Without Food.  Not only is this charge not fitting the crime, the penalty that might go with it isn't nearly severe enough.  One of these dogs weighed 68 pounds, roughly half what a Dane should weigh.  Merlin, the male, and his sister were literally starved almost to death.  Ms. Powers is having financial difficulties.  For that, VOCAL is sympathetic, as everyone encounters economic problems now and again.  However, Ms. Powers had options for her dogs.  A shelter would have taken the dogs, and Central Florida Great Dane Rescue is in her immediate area, and surely would have helped her place these 2 dogs.  There is no excuse for her actions.

VOCAL has e-mailed and faxed a request to The Honorable Judge Nancy L. Clark, who will preside over this case.  We are asking:
--Additional charges of felony animal cruelty and denial of veterinary care be added to Ms. Powers' current charges;
--That the dogs be signed over to Orange County Animal Services;
--That Ms. Powers be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Starvation is a slow, inhumane death.  Merlin and his sister certainly did starve, narrowly escaping death;
--That Ms. Powers be enjoined from ever owning, possessing or otherwise having any animals of any kind at any time;
--That Ms. Powers undergo a psychiatric evaluation.  The condition of her apartment (see photos) as well as her animals suggest that she may have certain imbalances, issues or problems.  If this is the case, she deserves proper treatment.

FYI

Links to various news stories and articles can be found here:
Warning:  graphic photos



The Orlando Sentinel ran a good story as well, but to view it, you have to register with them.

Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) could, of course, use some help with the care of these dogs.  VOCAL is arranging for comforters/beds and raised food/water stations to go to OCAS for their care.  Special thanks to VOCAList Pamela S. for her seamstress skills in making the covers for the beds going to help these 2 dogs.  They have a long road of rehab ahead of them.  OCAS has been kind enough to allow them to spend time in a larger run, together.  We have also been notified that the dogs are in good spirits, and don't appear to hold any grudges.  Our hats are off to OCAS, and thank them for caring for these (and so many other) companion animals.  If you'd like to provide additional assistance, please contact OCAS and ask what you can do.  Drop them an e-mail here: 
animalservices@ocfl.net

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Please write, fax and/or e-mail your request for prosecution of this case.  Here is the pertinent information:

Case Number 03-MM17168

The Honorable Judge Nancy L. Clark, Division 64
Judge Clark can be reached at (407) 836-0570

Write or fax your request to:
Clerk of the Court
425 N. Orange Avenue
[P.O. Box 4994]
Orlando, Florida 32801
Attn:  Judge Nancy Clark
Case No. 03-MM17168
Fax:  407-836-2306

Or, drop an e-mail here, referencing the Case Number:

You may also wish to contact Ms. Powers' apartment's leaseholder, to ensure that they know what their tenant has been up to.  VOCAL is certain that she's violated her lease in more ways than one, and that her neighbors might like to not live near an alleged animal abuser:
Metro Place Apartments
907 South Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL 32825
407-296-0907

You can even fill out an online form here:

Ms. Powers has been pretty clear of infractions of the law, outside of a couple traffic violations.  Her family may have some info on what's wrong with her. You can contact them here:

James and Carmel Powers
495 S Bluford Ave
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 656-3049




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Orlando, Florida, November 2003, 2 Great Danes Found Within Hours of Death, Starving

Meghan T. Powers, 22 (DOB 9/15/1981) was charged Tuesday, November 11th with Confinement of Animals Without Food.  Not only is this charge not fitting the crime, the penalty that might go with it isn't nearly severe enough.  One of these dogs weighed 68 pounds, roughly half what a Dane should weigh.  Merlin, the male, and his sister were literally starved almost to death.  Ms. Powers is having financial difficulties.  For that, VOCAL is sympathetic, as everyone encounters economic problems now and again.  However, Ms. Powers had options for her dogs.  A shelter would have taken the dogs, and Central Florida Great Dane Rescue is in her immediate area, and surely would have helped her place these 2 dogs.  There is no excuse for her actions.

VOCAL has e-mailed and faxed a request to The Honorable Judge Nancy L. Clark, who will preside over this case.  We are asking:
--Additional charges of felony animal cruelty and denial of veterinary care be added to Ms. Powers' current charges;
--That the dogs be signed over to Orange County Animal Services;
--That Ms. Powers be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Starvation is a slow, inhumane death.  Merlin and his sister certainly did starve, narrowly escaping death;
--That Ms. Powers be enjoined from ever owning, possessing or otherwise having any animals of any kind at any time;
--That Ms. Powers undergo a psychiatric evaluation.  The condition of her apartment (see photos) as well as her animals suggest that she may have certain imbalances, issues or problems.  If this is the case, she deserves proper treatment.

FYI

Links to various news stories and articles can be found here:
Warning:  graphic photos



The Orlando Sentinel ran a good story as well, but to view it, you have to register with them.

Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) could, of course, use some help with the care of these dogs.  VOCAL is arranging for comforters/beds and raised food/water stations to go to OCAS for their care.  Special thanks to VOCAList Pamela S. for her seamstress skills in making the covers for the beds going to help these 2 dogs.  They have a long road of rehab ahead of them.  OCAS has been kind enough to allow them to spend time in a larger run, together.  We have also been notified that the dogs are in good spirits, and don't appear to hold any grudges.  Our hats are off to OCAS, and thank them for caring for these (and so many other) companion animals.  If you'd like to provide additional assistance, please contact OCAS and ask what you can do.  Drop them an e-mail here: 
animalservices@ocfl.net

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Please write, fax and/or e-mail your request for prosecution of this case.  Here is the pertinent information:

Case Number 03-MM17168

The Honorable Judge Nancy L. Clark, Division 64
Judge Clark can be reached at (407) 836-0570

Write or fax your request to:
Clerk of the Court
425 N. Orange Avenue
[P.O. Box 4994]
Orlando, Florida 32801
Attn:  Judge Nancy Clark
Case No. 03-MM17168
Fax:  407-836-2306

Or, drop an e-mail here, referencing the Case Number:

You may also wish to contact Ms. Powers' apartment's leaseholder, to ensure that they know what their tenant has been up to.  VOCAL is certain that she's violated her lease in more ways than one, and that her neighbors might like to not live near an alleged animal abuser:
Metro Place Apartments
907 South Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL 32825
407-296-0907

You can even fill out an online form here:

Ms. Powers has been pretty clear of infractions of the law, outside of a couple traffic violations.  Her family may have some info on what's wrong with her. You can contact them here:

James and Carmel Powers
495 S Bluford Ave
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 656-3049