School Teacher Found Not Guilty of Felony Animal Abuse Charges

4/5/2010 Update
A jury found Allison Dinsmore not guilty of felony animal cruelty.
Despite the outcome in the courtroom, the public outcry over the Dinsmore case was a testament to our society’s ever-increasing judgment that the responsibility of animal care is a grave one, and that our children especially must learn compassion from our example. Get involved by finding out what humane education resources are available, and making sure that your community is aware of them.

3/30/2010 Update
Allison Dinsmore's criminal trial is under way.

Defense rests in trial of former teacher accused of letting cats starve in Boca
The Palm Beach Post, March 31, 2010

(Palm Beach County, Fla.) Congress Middle School teacher Allison Dinsmore is facing felony charges of animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning her two cats for weeks, leaving them to die horrible deaths by starvation in her apartment. Dinsmore reportedly cited her busy work schedule, long commute and a camping trip as reasons for her failure to see to the cats’ needs (she had essentially moved out of the apartment and had been staying elsewhere). Seeking information as to unpaid rent, Dinsmore’s property manager discovered the cats’ bodies and notified authorities on February 23, 2009. The school district initially suspended her teaching duties – with pay – pending the outcome of the criminal case, but later announced that they would not be renewing her contract.

Here are news articles on the case:

Teacher charged with felonies in deaths of two cats in Boca Raton apartment
South Florida Sun Sentinel, March 31, 2009

Boynton Beach teacher accused of starving cats is sent home, with pay
South Florida Sun Sentinel, April 6, 2009

Palm Beach County Circuit Court
Main Branch
205 North Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL  33401
561-355-2431

case #502009CF004107A