Woman accused in animal cruelty case receiving hate mail, attorney said

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – An animal cruelty case out of Waipahu is expected to go to trial following a court hearing Monday.
Heather Hinkle’s attorney, Dean Hoe, told the court that his client has been getting hate mail and phone calls since Hinkle was identified through a Honolulu CrimeStoppers tip as the woman allegedly abusing a dog on home security video.
In the video, the woman can be seen hitting the dog and lifting it up by its leash.
Hinkle was cited for animal cruelty on Oct. 9, and last week, the Honolulu prosecutor’s office filed a criminal complaint accusing her of “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” torturing or tormenting an animal.
The 49-year-old is charged with a misdemeanor crime.
Hinkle’s first court proceeding took place at Ewa District Court on Monday, but her presence was waived.
Legal experts said more people are reporting animal abuse using surveillance and cell phone videos.
Megan Kau, a defense attorney and former deputy city prosecutor said prior cases required a witness to testify.
“It’s very simple to catch something on camera and then bring it to the attention of the police department, so it is much easier to charge,” Kau said.
In court Monday, Hoe also said his client wants the dog returned to its registered owner, a family member.
The Hawaiian Humane Society is currently caring for the animal.
“We have brought this to the prosecutor’s attention as well as the Humane Society’s attention that this dog is not a neglected dog, it’s not an abused dog,” Hoe said.
The judge told Hoe to file a motion on the matter.
Hoe also said that the video that was broadcast doesn’t reflect the full facts of the case.
Kau said an explanation of what happened in the seconds before the camera started recording could help the defense.
“What if the dog bit somebody prior to being shot in that video? What if the dog went after somebody or another dog and so the owner was disciplining it?”
Hinkle’s next court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19.
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