Buena Vista Woman Sentenced for Starving Dog
By Ron Park
September 24, 2003 --
After pleading guilty to July 8 charges of animal cruelty, a Buena Vista woman was recently sentenced in General Sessions Court for actions and negligence that led to the starvation death of a dog in her possession.
General Sessions Judge Larry Logan sentenced Michelle Thompson of 340 King Loop to 11 months and 29 days of unsupervised probation, and she was ordered by the judge to pay $302 in restitution and serve 80 hours of community service with the Carroll County Humane Society.
According to Animal Welfare Officer Lauri Fry, who signed the warrant for Thompson’s arrest, Humane Society member Betty Holloway discovered the dog – a purebred Boston Terrier named Elmo – chained up in inhumane conditions at Thompson’s residence.
Fry said the dog was severely emaciated and dehydrated with a very heavy flea infestation that had left bleeding sores all over the animal’s body. She also said that dog, which was no longer able to stand on its own, was bound by a heavy cable which greatly restricted its freedom of movement.
As detailed by Fry, Holloway took the dog for treatment at the Huntingdon Animal Clinic, where it died three days later despite extensive efforts to save it. Advanced starvation was the primary cause of death.
Humane Society secretary/treasurer Kathy Sumpter said that while this is not the worst case of animal cruelty she has ever seen, it is probably the one that has angered her the most due to the vast degree of in-tentional suffering inflicted on the animal.
“I just want people to know that this kind of thing will not be tolerated in Carroll County,” added Sump-ter, who pointed out that there is a proven connection between animal cruelty and violent crimes against human beings.
Sumpter also said that as far as she knows, Thompson has not as of yet paid her restitution or rendered any service time to the Humane Society.
In addition to probation, restitution, and community service, Judge Logan prohibited Thompson from any future pet or animal ownership.
When Thompson’s attorney Ben Dempsey asked if the prohibition was for 12 months or for life, Logan said Thompson could not legally own any animals ever, unless she applies first through the court.
“I think that should stand until you learn how to treat an animal,” added the judge.
