Spanish Springs woman faces possible jail for striking dog

SPARKS " A Spanish Springs woman faces possible jail time after being found guilty of intentionally running over a dog with her car during a dispute with two horseback riders on her property.

Sparks Justice of the Peace Kevin Higgins, in a written ruling issued last week, found 61-year-old Chris McClenahan guilty of misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Sentencing was not immediately scheduled.

During a one day bench trial earlier this year, McClenahan testified she didn't see the 85-pound Labrador retriever named Parker in front of her sport utility vehicle, and wasn't aware she had struck him until later that day last August.

The dog recovered from its injuries.

Parker's owner, Denise Bonnet, and a friend testified that McClenahan was in a rage when she struck the dog once, then again, before driving off without offering assistance.

"I hope this sets an example for people in the future who might act out against animals," Bonnet said Monday of the verdict. "And I'm so glad the state took this case. That's awesome."

McClenahan's lawyer, Paul Quade, called the incident a "sad accident."

"There was no intentional conduct on the part of Ms. McClenahan to hit the dog, Parker. There is no basis of guilt at all."

The women were riding in a utility easement area on private property with public access. Quade said McClenahan has since posted "No trespassing" signs on her property.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Dan Greco said there continues to be controversy between property owners about who can travel on the paths used mostly since the 1980s as bridle paths.

The paths had been cleared for horses and riders to avoid traffic hazards on the road. At the time of the incident, there were no signs warning of trespassing or indicating it was private property.

"Regardless of the property rights issue, it is a crime to intentionally harm an animal or person that may wander on the edge or your property," Greco said. "If this event is repeated by any of the property owners, they will be prosecuted, too."