Strays Given a Stay

Archived Story

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Strays given a stay

By KAREN STAPLEY/Staff Writer
BARSTOW -- A Hinkley family that rescues stray animals must get rid of one dog and one cat per week for the next year until they are in compliance with the law, a Barstow judge ruled Thursday.
Mardell "Mickey" Stovall and his family have 69 dogs on their 20-acre homestead along Highway 58. County law allows four dogs and four cats per household without a special license.
Stovall must report to Barstow court every Friday at 8:30 a.m. to prove he is abiding by the order.
"I will do whatever I have to do. It's better than before," Stovall said after hearing the judge's compromise.
Judge John Gibson had ordered Wednesday that all but four of the dogs be removed by 4 p.m. that day, but gave the family a last-minute reprieve after visiting the site. Gibson said Stovall was found guilty on June 16 for having an illegal kennel and cattery and he has done nothing to comply.
The Desert Dispatch has received many calls from readers offering help following an article on Thursday.
"I am grateful for what everybody is doing, but I feel uneasy," Stovall said. "I am not asking for help but if people genuinely want to help I won't refuse. But that is not what this is about. I just want to keep my dogs."
"All the animals appear to be healthy," Doug Smith, San Bernardino County animal health investigator said earlier in the week. "The majority appear very friendly. The only problem is they have too many."
Smith said Stovall could apply for a special non-profit permit which would allow him to have an animal sanctuary if he complies with the rules first.
"He has to comply first because they will not issue a permit for somebody already in violation," Smith said.
People who want to adopt a dog or help should call 253-3119.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or karen_stapley@link.freedom.com