Darryl Adams

Housing Police Detective abuses K-9 partner

Sheraden, PA

June 7, 2004

Adams, age 45 of 537 Sherwood Avenue, a Pittsburgh Housing Authority Police Detective has been cited for cruelty to animals after investigators found his German shepherd, a semi-retired police dog named Rico living in unsanitary conditions outside his home.  Investigators were alerted to Rico’s condition through an anonymous e-mail.

Adams is also cited for 3 violations of city ordinances pertaining to the dog.  All the citations are summary offenses.

Rico was found tethered at the side of Adams house without food or water and covered in animal waste.  The dog had maggots eating his ears, a skin condition, fly bites and ingrown nails.  Rico, only 5 years old looked to be 14-16 years old based on his neglect.  Investigators believe the feces/mess looked like a minimum of a year’s buildup.

Adams has been on the force for 14 years.  Initially his work status remained unchanged while the investigation continues but on Thursday, June 25^th, 2004 Adams was suspended without pay.

Rico was still working part time searching buildings and helping to serve warrants, despite his arthritis.  Rico was removed to the care of Animal Friends, where he will likely need about 3 months to return to full health.  Adams verbally agreed to relinquish Rico to the shelter, so when he is healthy he will be put up for adoption.

On October 25, 2004 in the Pittsburgh City Court, Adams was found guilty of cruelty to animals and fined $500.  He was also fined $100 for not having a rabies vaccination for Rico and another $100 for harboring a nuisance (feces odor) plus court costs.  The court ordered no restitution to the shelter that cared for Rico.

Rico has been adopted.

References:

NoPuppyMills	WPXI
Pittsburgh Post Gazette	Animal Friends
The Associated Press