As I menitioned in my previous post, Eckhart will be sentenced on November 16th.
Eckhart did , in fact, under a plea agreement with the District Attorney’s office, make a deal to serve time in prison-up to three years, for pleading guilty to the two animal cruelty charges. Remember, for all those who are celebrating, he may receive up to three years in prison. This doesn’t mean he will receive the maximum penalty. And I personally feel the sentence does not fit the crimes he has committed for decades against innocent animals.
Eckhart had been convicted in 1988 for allowing unsanitary conditions at another kennel he operated. No one knows for sure if he did serve any actual prison time.
Eckhart’s lawyer, Jeff Conrad, has stated the following about his client: “Skip Eckhart has been villified unfairly by everyone involved in the case. He has tremendous amount of love for animals, and that led him to get into trouble.” “It wasn’t intentional, it was neglect.”
What?? Since I love my dogs soooo much …..I am going to hurt them, neglect them, abuse them.. yeah….don’t quite get that rationale. And this logic coming from a lawyer.
Eckhart may also have to pay fines up to $7500.00 under the same plea agreement.
Anyone who has been following Eckhart’s case knows this man will not change. He has been operating kennels (puppymills) for decades and in my estimation, is unable to show true remorse for the acts of animal cruelty has been charged with. I don’t believe he has the capacity. If he doesn’t have the capacity, he does not know or is incapable of understanding he has done wrong.
But that fact does not diminish the crimes he has committed. He made a deal with the DA’s office and we will find out in less than two months how much time he will spend in prison. Let’s hope for the maximum penalty to send a message to other puppymillers!