EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Siliski talks to Larry Brinton
Mar 7, 2005, 7:37 PM
Jennifer Siliski
Reported by Larry Brinton
E-mail:
[email protected]
After spending 10 days in a Williamson County Jail cell, dog breeder Jennifer Siliski still insists she is innocent of animal abuse.
But following a judge's order, Siliski tells Larry Brinton in an exclusive interview that she is out of both the breeding business and keeping animals at her home.
Jennifer Siliski is a former dog breeder and convicted dog abuser. Jennifer Siliski, who had several hundred Maltese dogs cased in her kennels in what witnesses say were in deplorable living and health conditions.
When asked if she did anything wrong, Siliski answered, “Do I think I committed a crime? No."
But Williamson County jurors said 'yes' and convicted Siliski on 10 of 30 counts of animal abuse.
Investigation of the mother of four began last year and set off a nationwide, internet campaign against her by Maltese dog owners and breeders leading to Siliski's indictment, trial and conviction.
"I think it is interesting that out of the 100 to 200 animals, they could only manufacture charges on 15," Siliski said.
Siliski believes Judge Lee Davies was bias against her and that the approaching elections was a big part of her conviction.
"I think a lot of his is political, I do, I think a big part of his is political," Siliski said.
This time she is referring to other dog breeders and not the court or the judge.
"There was a lot of jealousy, a lot of other things going on under the table,” Siliski said. “I had a lot of wins that year, and they play somewhat dirty."
Nashville criminal attorney John Herbison represents Siliski.
"There seems to be an unusual enthusiasm for prosecuting her,” Herbison said. “What that stems from I can only speculate and I don't want to speculate."
But prosecutors merely shrug off her complaint, saying her conviction was on target for the cruel treatment of her dogs and cats.
"I had seven-day a week help. The dogs were very well cared for. Should I have had that many dogs? No, no," Siliski said.
Siliski claims other breeders put down their older dogs and that was something she did not do.
"I had a lot of old dogs there weren't breeding. But try to find a home for an 8 year-old dog, even free. It doesn't have all of its teeth, it doesn't have this, it doesn't have that. Everyone wants a puppy," Siliski said.
Siliski says she spent $43,000 last year with a veterinarian.
If true, Maltese dog owners say, why were the animals in such poor condition with crusted infected eyes, heart diseases, horrible teeth and more?
All of the animals have been adopted by the hundred or so volunteers and others who got involved in the rescue effort.
For Siliski, she says, the worst part has been the manner in which some parents have treated her children.
"I don't think whatever I have or have not done, it's not fair to take it out on my children,” Siliski said.
Siliski says it is okay with her that she is now out of the breeding business. And there seems to be a huge amount of people who agree.
Jennifer Siliski's attorney, John Herbison, says he will appeal on the merits for the conviction and sentencing of 12 months probation.
