Dog Stabbing Case Continued, Some Want Judge Off the Case

The case against Alexander Bernard, the New Haven man accused of because no one in his family "liked her," was continued again Tuesday to Sept. 6, but not before a judge ruled that the dog can be put up for adoption.

Both the judge hearing the case, , and Bernard's public defender, Thomas Conroy, were absent Tuesday, which led to the continuance. 

Judge Kathleen McNamara presided over Tuesday's proceedings. She asked Bernard if he was willing to give up ownership of Princess, and Bernard agreed, paving the way for the dog to be placed in a new home.

Princess has been at the North Haven Animal Hospital on Washington Avenue , where she has recovered from her injuries.

Bernard, 25, of 257 Sheffield Ave., New Haven, has been held in lieu of $10,000 bond. He in July that would have called for him to serve 60 days in jail. Had he accepted it, he would have already been released.

The case also prompted several state legislators to to Scarpellino, asking him to impose serious punishment on Bernard if he were to be found guilty of the animal cruelty charges.

Scarpellino was not happy with the letter and said so in court, which has prompted to issue a plea to the judge to recuse himself from the case. They feel that because of the letter and the judge's reaction, he cannot be impartial, they said.

"We are filing papers with the Judicial Review Board to try to see if we can get him recused," said activist Donna Ploss, who has attended each of Bernard's court dates and has been active statewide in protesting animal cruelty cases.

Ploss said on a recent visit to see Princess, the dog was doing well.

"She's skittish around men but can you blame her?" Ploss said. "We brought her a box of treats and toys.

"She's doing really well," Ploss said, "and she deserves best home in the world."