A trial continued Tuesday for the Pennsylvania man charged with drugging a Siberian Husky at a dog show in the western suburbs.
Ralph Ullum, 68, is charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, attempted animal cruelty and attempted damage to property. He faces a year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted.
DuPage County prosecutors accuse Ullum of giving human drugs to a Siberian Husky named Pixie last Dec. 17 because he wanted his girlfriend's husky to have a better chance at winning the competition.
Defense attorney Ed Maloney said the charges against his client have no merit.
"I think when all the evidence is in the judge will determine the state’s case doesn’t have four legs to stand on," he said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
At the trial on Monday, two witnesses took the stand and said they saw Ullum slipping something into the dog's cage before the show.
"I saw him put something into her crate and she ate it," testifiedf Terri Meyers, a professional poodle handler who was at the event, according to the Daily Herald. "He just put his fingers barely inside and dropped it. She did not chew; she swallowed it."
A veterinarian found anti-allergy medication and an animal tranquilizer in and around the dog's cage.
Ullum's girlfriend told the court Ullum pet several dogs but never fed any of them.
Several friends and family said they don't believe the charges.
"We're here to support Ralph. We were surprised that these allegations were brought against him. I've known Ralph for almost 50 years and his love for animals, and I just can't believe he would do anything like this," said Sam Figola, Ullum's brother-in-law.
Reports indicate the drugs did not harm Pixie.
The trial is expected to wrap up on Wednesday. Judge Ronald Sutter is hearing the case without a jury.
