Trainer under scrutiny after dog's death, neglect reports; judge issues not guilty verdict

TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — An animal cruelty trial in Talladega County put the spotlight on dog trainers. Pet owners claimed their dogs were starved, injured, and neglected. Two of the cases were heard before Judge Dale Price last week in Sylacauga. Judge Price found Dylan Shotwell, owner of Iron Grip Training, not guilty of two misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.

Denise Boyce whose German Shepherd died while in Shotwell's care for six weeks says she was stunned by the judge's ruling. "We are banding together; we will not stop," said Boyce outside the courthouse with supporters.

She said when she dropped Gunner off, he was healthy and happy. Six weeks later she got a call that he was dead. "Within this one year there were 17 victims. Every time they tried to go to the magistrate they were told to do it in civil court," said Boyce. Many have posted their stories on a webpage organized by Boyce.

The Talladega County Sheriff's office verified it received 14 complaints about Shotwell, but it was up to the magistrate whether charges were filed. It is not clear if those complaints were signed which is required.

Prosecutor Randall Harmon was appointed to try the case by the Attorney General's office. "We presented the best evidence we had," said Harmon. Several veterinarian experts testified for the prosecution including a pathologist from Auburn.

Dr. Heather Walz interpreted results from the necropsy which is an autopsy for animals. Dr. Walz listed contributing factors in Gunner's death including weight loss, hemorrhage, injuries, bacteria, inflammation of the lungs, staph infection, and pneumonia.

The cause of death was sepsis. Dr. Walz testified Gunner would have needed to be hospitalized to have a chance to survive. There was no food in his stomach. Boyce testified she was never called and informed Gunner was sick.

In a second case, Sarah Gelineau testified her pit bull mix lost a lot of weight while training with Shotwell and developed a skin infection. Dr. Will Bondarenko testified that a GI parasite caused the 'significant weight loss' and that a reasonable person would have seen that.

Defense attorney Rod Giddens questioned the veterinarian experts noting the dogs were within guidelines for a normal weight range for their breed. But it was pointed out that dogs are different and other factors should be considered such as their build. The key was the rapid weight loss, a quarter of their weight according to a veterinarian.

After the prosecution rested, the defense asked for a dismissal of charges without calling any witnesses. Judge Price acquitted Shotwell. Defense attorney Giddons said his client is not guilty of any crime. We spoke with Dylan Shotwell by phone a few days after the trial.

"The prosecution had a year and for some of it over a year to prepare their case.. the prosecution threw everything that they could possibly have and before I could call my witnesses I was found not guilty. If anything, one of the people they called up to include those vets only helped prove my case," said Shotwell.

Shotwell was referring to the standards for a healthy dog weight. We asked him were there no warning signs the dogs were sick and needed to go to the vet? Shotwell said he had no further comment. We also asked about allegations from other pet owners that their dogs were neglected in his care. Shotwell said he was not aware of those claims. Shotwell told us he had no intention of being a dog trainer again.

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Brad Strickland who is a trainer in Odenville followed the case closely. "Frankly I am disgusted by the outcome. You can't look at those pictures, it's grotesque the wounds and sores," remarked Strickland.

Animal advocates also questioned the verdict and level of charges. "I was very disappointed and members of the humane society were disappointed after we reviewed the facts to see a misdemeanor which is not uncommon in our state," said Allison Black Cornelius, CEO of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Finding a qualified trainer can be a challenge. "It's the wild, wild west when you talk about animal trainers. The credentials, licensing, certification are all over the place," said Black Cornelius. She recommends a few national organizations for guidance along with your vet and the humane society.

"Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDTs) The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), an independent organization created by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), offers an international certification program."

"Ask around word of mouth tends to be the best. Fancy websites don't mean anything," advised Strickland. He supports licensing; right now anyone can call themselves a professional trainer.

WE SPOKE WITH TRAINER BRAD STRICKLAND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A TRAINER. WATCH OUR INTERVIEW:

There should be open communication. "If they won't let you see your dog, that's a red flag. Do they have training videos? Are they clear on their philosophy?" recommends Black Cornelius. Negative reinforcement is not recommended, such as shock collars and withholding food.

Denise Boyce hopes her story serves as a warning. "The laws need to change; the laws need to be stronger," said Boyce.

Be sure anyone you hire has insurance and verify it. The requirements for certain certifications vary widely.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM THE GREATER BIRMINGHAM HUMANE SOCIETY:

1.While there are many places that claim to “license” trainers (way too many which is the problem), I think most veterinarians and professional dog trainers would agree that if someone is looking for a basic, well-trained, educated, and certified dog trainer, the largest association that certifies non-veterinarian, professional dog trainers – it would be CCPDT. These folks are NOT CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) certified, although they could be if they have completed the graduate degree required for the CAAB distinction).

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

CCPDT

https://www.ccpdt.org

This is their searchable trainer directory:

https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/

2.Veterinary Behaviorists (think of this as a veterinary psychiatrist – they can prescribe medications)

ACVB

https://www.dacvb.org

Veterinary behaviorists are veterinarians who have gone through extensive post-graduate training in animal behavior and been certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the certifying board for veterinarians who want to specialize in behavior work.

A veterinarian cannot use the title “vet behaviorist” without this certification.

Once a person becomes a Diplomate, they may use the terms Board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist, Veterinary Behavior Specialist, or Veterinary Behaviorist to describe their credentials.

A veterinarian who has attained this distinction may use this after their DVM extension DACVB