CUMBERLAND — A city man was sentenced Friday in Allegany County Circuit Court in connection with the taping, muzzling and abandoning of a a 10-month-old dog last March that affectionately became known to area residents as “Ducky.”
Ricky A. Adams was sentenced to two 90-day sentences that Judge W. Timothy Finan then suspended.
The judge placed Adams on supervised probation for three years with the conditions that he perform 100 hours of community service at the Allegany County Animal Shelter.
Adams was also ordered to make restitution of $1,372 to the Western Maryland Animal Hospital, according to court records.
In addition, Adams was ordered by the court to be prohibited from possessing or residing with a canine for the term of his probation.
Adams was convicted of abuse or neglect of an animal and conspiracy to abuse or neglect an animal last November in circuit court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges last June.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Sam Lane. Adams was represented by attorney Stephen R. Tully.
All charges against co-defendant Frederick Newton Lease, 27, were dismissed last September in circuit court due to a reported lack of evidence.
The case stemmed from an incident in late March 2011 when a 10-month-old terrier was observed running in the Corriganville area with his muzzle duct-taped.
Various sightings and an extensive search over several days led to the discovery of the dog on the back porch of a Lonaconing residence. The case drew widespread interest and support of numerous community residents.
The dog was provided medical care by Dr. John T. Fox at the Western Maryland Animal Hospital and was later taken to the Ark of Hope Rescue where he was adopted by an area family.
