Jinx's Story

See the Pictures -WARNING-these images are graphic in nature >>

Jinx was owned by 45 year old Bonnie Still-Hammond of Gettysburg, PA, of Stormdancer Great Danes. She was a black, female Great Dane who supplied multiple litters that were sold for profit. On April 7, 2004, Jinx gave birth to 14 puppies. Apparently, 6 were still born and 7 survived the birth. A few months after giving birth, Jinx died. SHe received no medical attention during or after birth. The remainder of the puppies eventually died as well. Allegedly, Hammond placed the puppies' bodies in empty dog food bags and thrown out in the trash in the back yard.

According to the Adams County Animal Control Officer, a search warrant was obtained after receiving complaints regarding neglect of the remaining animals and the stench of the deceased animals on the property that were not properly disposed of.

On May 19, 2004 Adams County Animal Control raided Bonnie Hammond's property. Members of the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL) were asked by Adams County SPCA to accompany them on the raid. A search warrant was issued and the premises searched. The very first thing found on Hammond's property was Jinx's remains along with the remains of turtles, guinea pigs, and rats. According to Hammond, the dead guinea pigs were in a crate then placed outside in the trash pile while they were still alive. However, animal control were not able to locate the puppies bodies in spite of their best efforts of tearing open numerous bags of trash and digging through the piles of trash in the back yard. When questioned, Hammond claimed that when Jinx died the ground was frozen and she could not bury her.

"Every dog we took from this house was skittish, nervous, and filthy; in addition to being covered with engorged ticks," said Debra Rahl, President of the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League. "These photos don't capture the horrid conditions of the environment that we encountered like the stench, circling flies, and biting fleas."

Hammond is being charged with ten counts of animal cruelty and more charges are pending. Eight Great Danes, including two possibly pregnant females, were taken into the custody by the Adams County SPCA to be transported to veterinary offices for medical treatment and boarded until they are transported to foster homes. However, at least eight additional Great Danes and a menagerie of other smaller pets were left behind because their conditions were not considered by an on-site veterinarian to be life threatening at the time of the raid. The Adams County Animal Control Officers gave Hammond a specific period of time to clean up the property and dramatically improve the living conditions of the remaining pets left behind. If she does not comply, the remainder of the pets will be taken into custody as well.

Hammond did not relinquish ownership of the Danes that were taken into custody. This means that Adams County SPCA cannot neuter/spay these dogs or adopt them until a decision from the court has been made. Despite this, MAGDRL has accepted the financial burden of these Danes and MAGDRL volunteers will be opening up their homes to care for the dogs until the courts make a decision. However, MAGDRL needs the community's help in obtaining donations to pay for the medical care these dogs need and the cost of basic care.

If you are considering purchasing a puppy, please do NOT purchase a puppy from Bonnie Stills Hammond of Stormdancer Great Danes.

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