By Terry Date
Staff writer
April 05, 2008 12:25 am DANVILLE, N.H. — A woman charged five weeks ago with cruelty to horses now has been charged with cruelty to a dog, a Rottweiler named Boss who is now on the mend. Kim Damato, 45, of 272 Main St., also was charged with making a false report to law enforcement. In the aftermath of her arrest on the cruelty to horses charges, Damato claimed she hadn't had Boss for two months, Danville police Chief Wade Parsons said. Police do not believe Damato's contention, the chief said. About two weeks ago, police found Boss, 20 pounds underweight and with worms, in the care of an unnamed third party. Police traced the animal's whereabouts by following an ad Damato had allegedly posted on the Internet, where the dog was offered "free to a good home," Parsons said. Danville's investigation stems from a Feb. 29 visit to Damato's barn, where authorities found three horses without food or water, police said. One horse was so severely emaciated that it had to be euthanized. The other two horses were removed from the residence and have since been returned to their owners, police said. The horses are still being treated, but are expected to recover, police said. Boss has been doing well in the care of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Stratham. SPCA animal cruelty investigator Steven Sprowl said the dog has slowly been putting on weight the past few weeks. "He's enjoying life, getting three squares (meals) a day," Sprowl said. Damato was released on $500 personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to answer to the charges in Plaistow District Court at 8 a.m. on May 5. If convicted, she could face up to a year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine on each charge, police said. In addition, Boss would be put up for adoption by the SPCA, Sprowl said. Damato is scheduled to face the horse cruelty charges at 8 a.m. on April 14 in Plaistow District Court.
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