Emaciated puppies left to die Fort Myers, FL (US) Incident Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 County: Lee Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Charges: Misdemeanor Abuser/Suspect: Leslie Valentin

Case ID: 12133 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

On August 22, Leslie Valentin, 25, was sentenced to a year of probation, animal education classes, and a $5,000 fine for leaving emaciated puppies to die in her Fort Myers home.

"This is a very good outcome for this case. It's one of the highest fines we have ever received," said Lance Raiche, of Lee County Animal Control.

He attributes the hefty sentence to NFL Quarterback Michael Vick who was charged in July with operating a dog fighting ring.

"With the dog fighting case of Michael Vick, it brought to light to the entire country what's going on with dog fighting and animal cruelty," said Raiche.

Raiche says it's leading to stricter punishments in animal abuse cases everywhere - including Southwest Florida.

"I think we'll be getting much better results," said Raiche. "If we get reports of neglect or cruelty, we will be investigating and we will pursue it to the fullest extent of the law."

Raiche says he hopes the court system will keep firing back with stronger and stronger punishments each and every time.

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References

NBC-2.com - Aug 22

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