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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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Posted on 1/16/2003, 5:06:35 AM by chance33_98
Sheriff: family used cattle prod to discipline child
RESHONDA TATE reports
Updated: January 15, 2003 10:50 AM
GARFIELD COUNTY -- We're following a disturbing case of child abuse. A pair of grandparents are accused of abusing their own grandson with a cattle prod.
And, equally disturbing, the child's own mother is accused of abusing the little boy.
Authorities first became aware of the abuse allegations in November. They say the family was using the cattle prods to make the 11-year-old and his 9-year-old sister behave.
They now face charges for what officials call their extreme methods of discipline.
The prods are designed to round up cattle. The zappers provide the necessary jolt of electricity to get cows moving. But the family apparently felt it was just what was needed to get their 11-year-old in line.
“Most people might verbally discipline their child or they might spank their child. They were using Hot Shots as one of those things,” said Bill Winchester, Garfield County Sheriff. “They thought this is a viable means to punish their child.”
Authorities became aware of the situation after the 11-year-old boy reported that his grandparents and his mother were using the cattle prods to punish he and his sister.
“Both children said that all three used this as a discipline technique,” Winchester said.
Sheriff's officials say 66-year-old Johnny Stilwell and his 64-year-old wife Ladonna joined their daughter, 36-year-old Brenda Frazier in the abuse.
While the voltage in the cattle prods isn’t strong enough to cause serious burns, officials say the shock definitely hurts. It even left marks on the boy. They call it an unacceptable form of punishment.
The family, officials say, didn't see anything wrong with what they were doing.
“They didn’t seem to understand what the big uproar was that people were making about the way they raised their kids,” Winchester said.
The family faces other allegations of abuse, including claims they used deadbolts to lock the 11-year-old in his room with no way out and only a bucket to relieve himself.
All three suspects have been released from custody on bond. The children, however, remain in the custody of the Dept. of Human Services.
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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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Where to begin.
replying to you because I can.
Quite often :)
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