Trial postponed in injured pit bull case

The trial concerning London, the two-legged pit bull, was postponed until Feb. 19 due to a clerical error, officials said.

London’s former owners, Zachary Hinton, 20, and Sarah Anderson, 20, face two felony counts of animal cruelty, one for wounding and maiming and one for torture. Eye witnesses said they saw the two hurt London multiple times for misbehaving at their home in Northern California. The injuries went untreated for so long that his shattered legs were damaged beyond repair, officials say.

The Del Norte Humane Society took him in, but found they could no longer care for the injured pooch. The shelter contacted Amanda Giese, owner of the Vancouver-based Panda Paws Rescue, who brought London to Vancouver. His legs were amputated by Dr. Brandon Sherman, veterinarian at the Animal Care Clinic.

His story has gained national attention, making London an ambassador for canines with special needs.

Giese, Sherman and London were supposed to testify Tuesday morning at Del Norte Superior Court in Crescent City, Calif., but it was rescheduled because of a typo, Giese said.

“There was no way we were going to let them off the hook for a simple date error,” she said.

Followers of London’s story came to the Del Norte Courthouse on Tuesday to show their support. Giese hopes they’ll return for the February trial.

Since his ordeal, London has healed from his surgery, gained national attention and was adopted by Frances Ghering, a Nike project manager. London lives at his new home in Southeast Portland with Ghering and her English springer spaniel, Max.

Through the London Scholarship Fund, Panda Paws has raised nearly $25,000 and has been able to offer medical care to 12 other canines with special needs.