Lincoln Residents Sentenced for Attacking Blind Dog

Local Couple Sentenced for Brutal Attack on Neighbor’s Dog

Two residents of Lincoln, Arkansas, have been sentenced for their involvement in a violent attack on a neighbor's dog, which ultimately led to the animal's death. Robert Maltese, 55, and Alane Maltese, 61, were charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal, tampering with evidence, and other related offenses following the incident.

The case came to light in February 2024 when the couple was arrested for allegedly using a pitchfork and a machete to attack a 16-year-old blind Pomeranian. The dog was later found to have suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull, broken ribs, and lacerations, which led to its euthanasia.

On July 21, both individuals pleaded guilty to the charges. Robert Maltese also admitted to hindering apprehension. As part of their sentencing, they were ordered to serve six years of probation and pay a $1,000 fine. Additionally, Robert Maltese will be required to turn himself in on August 1 to serve a 120-day prison sentence. Alane Maltese must complete 400 hours of community service within one year of her sentence.

Details of the Incident

According to a preliminary police report, officers responded to a disturbance on Tara Road in Lincoln on February 16, 2024, around 8 a.m. A caller reported that their neighbor had beaten their dog with a metal object and taken it into her house.

The dog’s owner described witnessing Alane Maltese running from her yard toward the dog with a metal bar-like object in her hand. She claimed Alane threatened to kill her and the dog before beating it with the object and taking it into her home. The owner then saw Alane leave in her car.

Multiple witnesses, including members of the owner’s household and neighbors, confirmed seeing the same events. One neighbor reported seeing Robert Maltese take the dog outside and place it in a black trash can. He said Robert stabbed the dog with a pitchfork while it was inside the trash can. The neighbor heard the dog whining and moaning during the attack.

The neighbor also said he saw Robert move the dog into a white five-gallon bucket and bring it back into his house. The owner recorded video of Robert walking around the property with what appeared to be a white bucket shortly after the incident. Alane was seen placing the metal object on the front porch and leaving in her car.

According to the report, the video captured Robert telling the owner that he didn’t understand Alane’s actions and that she was mentally ill. However, Robert denied any knowledge of the incident when questioned by police. He claimed he woke up to yelling between Alane and the dog’s owner and saw Alane chase the dog back onto the owner’s property. He insisted that Alane did not hit the dog with anything and that the dog returned safely to the owner’s home.

Robert also told police that Alane had a family emergency, which is why she left. Police called Alane, who provided a similar account, claiming she was getting gas in Siloam Springs. Alane refused to answer any questions about the incident.

Discovery of the Injured Dog

Police obtained a search warrant and searched Robert’s home, where they found the dog still alive but severely injured inside a white five-gallon bucket with an air-tight lid. The bucket was hidden under a cabinet, with a large water jug placed in front of it. The metal object used to beat the dog was identified as the flat side of a black machete, which was found on the front porch of the home.

Robert was arrested and taken to the Washington County Detention Center. He was later released to the Division of Corrections. Alane was found several miles north, parked at a church, and was arrested.

The dog was taken to a veterinarian by its owner. The vet informed the Washington County Sheriff’s Office that the dog would need to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.

Sentencing Conditions

As part of their sentences, both Robert and Alane Maltese have been ordered not to own, possess, live with, or intentionally come into contact with any animal. The judge assigned to the case also ordered the seizure and destruction of the bucket, machete, and pitchfork used in the attack.