AKC Dog Show Judge Charged with Animal Cruelty

By Sara Tan May 8th 2012

Margaret A. Hamilton, a 69-year-old judge for the American Kennel Club, was prosecuted for hoarding around 100 dogs in horrific conditions. King County officials received an anonymous tip from Pasado's Safe Haven, an animal sanctuary in Sultan, Washington. According to b-townblog.com, officials with an animal rescue group illegally entered a home in Burien through an open door. They recorded footage of the deplorable state in which the dogs were living in. Countless dogs were crammed into cages infested with waste and scattered with empty food and water bowls.



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According to KPIC, Investigators determined that the Burien home belonged to Theodore M. Stober who was renting out his basement to Hamilton and her husband. The Hamiltons were using the space as a shelter for their pets, many of which were retired show dogs.

When deputies conducted a search, they found 38 dogs with feces-matted hair. Most of the dogs were Chihuahuas. Additionally, many dogs suffered from severe medical conditions such as decomposing jaw bones. Thirteen of the dogs had to be euthanized due to their health problems.

When authorities later entered the Hamilton's home in Issaquah, they found 62 dogs. This number was more than double what Mr. Hamilton had reported he was keeping. Furthermore, deputies reported that their home displayed signs of class hoarding.

More Chihuahuas:

Although Margaret Hamilton insisted that she could take proper care of the dogs, Pasado's Safe Haven asked prosecutors to file 14 counts of animal cruelty against the dog show judge. Many of the dogs have been safely placed with Burien CARES, an animal service agency.

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A spokesperson with the American Kennel Club stated that they have temporarily suspended Hamilton's judge privileges "until it is determined whether or not she has violated the AKC judicial or administrative determination of inappropriate treatment policy."