Oh! Henry: Tumor Riddled Dog's Former Owner Gets Probation

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Henry the golden retriever was brought to a vet with a 42-pound malignant tumor, and a story that he was a stray. Now, the owner who misled the vets, was convicted of failing to care for an animal and animal abandonment and sentenced Thursday to three years of probation.

Sherri Haughton, 52, of Irvine was arrested on March 1 in Irvine after she failed to make a court appearance.

Orange County prosecutors had charged Haughton in December with four misdemeanors that could have put her behind bars for two years -- animal cruelty, animal abandonment, failing to care for an animal and interfering with an investigation.

Newport Beach animal-control officers began an investigation into Henry's situation after Haughton took him to an animal hospital with the basketball-sized tumor on his right side. It had increased his body weight and impeded his ability to walk, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Haughton, who had claimed she found the dog abandoned on the beach, was also ordered by a Santa Ana-based Orange County Superior Court judge to perform 56 hours of community service, pay $7,346.21 to Newport Beach Police Department Animal Services and Pick A Pet Foundation for veterinary care and to attend a 16-week animal neglect prevention program.

Haughton was also forbidden from owning, possessing, caring for or living with animals.

Police discovered that Haughton was Henry's owner while investigating his falsely reported abandonment.

The dog underwent surgery in June that was coordinated by Newport Beach Police Department Animal Services and paid for by donations. He went on to live with a local foster family.

Newport Beach Police Photo