By RUSTY DENNEN
THE FREE LANCE-STAR
Robert Clifton Artois, founder of a wolf-dog rescue haven in southern Prince William County was convicted today of 29 counts of animal cruelty.
Artois, owner of Black Wolf Rescue in Triangle, was found guilty on all charges placed by Prince William County authorities, based on a search of his property in April.
Animal control officers found many emaciated animals infested with parasites and fleas, according to testimony yesterday in Prince William General District Court. One of the animals was found dead, another died a few days later.
Prosecutor Sandra R. Sylvester called half a dozen witnesses, including two veterinarians, who testified that the animals in Artois’ care-including 12 wolf hybrids-had been abandoned, in her words, “in horrible squalor.”
Artois, who took the stand in his own defense, said the problems resulted from an unreleated jail term he was serving in Alexandria and “I did the best I could. I was in over my head.”
After rejecting Defense Attorney Timothy Ward’s contention that the neglect was not intential, General District Judge Peter Steketee ordered a presentencing report and suggested Artois undergo a psychological examination. The judge set a July 12 sentencing date.
For more on this story, see tomorrow's Free Lance-Star.
To reach RUSTY DENNEN:
540/374-5431
rdennen@freelancestar.com