Dog News

PUPDATE! Former Owner of Dog with 45-Pound Tumor Arrested

by Amy Drew

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This was Henry BEFORE he had surgery back in May. Today he is tumor-free and living happily in a foster home. Photo: Daily Pilot

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Remember senior golden retriever Henry? We told you about him back in May when he was left at a Newport Beach, CA, animal hospital by a woman who claimed to have found him on the beach.

Henry, impossibly, was carrying around a massive, 45-pound tumor — nearly doubling his body weight. He could barely walk and had difficulty in going to the bathroom.

Sherri Haughton, 52, was scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 13 in Orange County Superior Court on four misdemeanor charges stemming from Henry’s condition, but didn’t show. A warrant was issued for her arrest, authorities said.

Haughton no longer appeared to be living at her previous Newport Beach address. Officers arrested her yesterday in Irvine according to a police spokeswoman.

Haughton is facing one count of animal cruelty, one count of animal abandonment, one count of failing to care for an animal and one count of interfering with an investigation — all misdemeanors.

If convicted of all charges, she would face a maximum sentence of two years in jail, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.

Haughton was investigated last Spring when according to police, she brought Henry to the vet with the tumor and told employees she found him. Staffers took custody of the dog, who received thousands of dollars worth of medical care — all paid for by donations.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Jennifer Malone contended during a news conference in December that by giving false information to the animal hospital, Haughton held up the investigation of the dog’s situation and delayed Henry’s treatment. Malone said there was evidence that Haughton had taken the dog to a vet and was aware of his condition but did not pursue treatment.

Henry, 8, now lives lives with a foster family and doing well.