Great Dane May Not Be Released To Kings Star, Document Says

A female Great Dane belonging to Sacramento Kings star forward Ron Artest has been released from the care of a local veterinarian after being treated for more than month for malnutition and neglect.The dog, named Socks, is now in the custody of an attorney that represents Artest. The animal was seized in February by county animal control officials.In an unrelated incident, Artest was arrested March 5 on suspicion of domestic violence at his Loomis home and using force to prevent his victim from reporting a crime.In the case involving Socks, the county has entered into a foster care agreement that requires the attorney to find an appropriate home for the dog.The document states that the dog may not be released to Artest and that the county must be notified immediately regarding any changes in the pet's health. The county may also reclaim the dog at any point.Neighbors said Artest in the past routinely left his dogs for weeks at a time.Sources tell KCRA 3 that when animal control officials took the dog, it was very thin. Socks was taken to a vet's office, where she received intravenous fluids and was placed on around-the-clock supervision.The February seizure was not the first time Artest's dogs were taken from his care. KCRA 3 has found the pets were seized on three separate occasions. The district attorney is currently reviewing the neglect case, officials said.Previous Stories: March 6, 2007: Kings Forward Artest Slapped Victim, Officials Say March 6, 2007: Transcript Of Artest Case 911 Call Released February 9, 2007: Dog Food Left In Front Of Artest's House February 7, 2007: Artest Blames Pet-Sitter For Animal Abuse Allegations

A female Great Dane belonging to Sacramento Kings star forward Ron Artest has been released from the care of a local veterinarian after being treated for more than month for malnutition and neglect.

The dog, named Socks, is now in the custody of an attorney that represents Artest. The animal was seized in February by county animal control officials.


In an unrelated incident, Artest was arrested March 5 on suspicion of domestic violence at his Loomis home and using force to prevent his victim from reporting a crime.

In the case involving Socks, the county has entered into a foster care agreement that requires the attorney to find an appropriate home for the dog.

The document states that the dog may not be released to Artest and that the county must be notified immediately regarding any changes in the pet's health. The county may also reclaim the dog at any point.

Neighbors said Artest in the past routinely left his dogs for weeks at a time.

Sources tell KCRA 3 that when animal control officials took the dog, it was very thin. Socks was taken to a vet's office, where she received intravenous fluids and was placed on around-the-clock supervision.

The February seizure was not the first time Artest's dogs were taken from his care. KCRA 3 has found the pets were seized on three separate occasions. The district attorney is currently reviewing the neglect case, officials said.

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