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Case ID: 18623

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

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Abandoned dog recovering from starvation
Elkmont, AL (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Sep 21, 2011
County: Limestone

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged: Sherry Dugger

A dog found abandoned and starving on Bethel Road in Elkmont is recovering. Meanwhile, her owner is charged with animal cruelty.

Dr. Robert Pitman who's treating the three-year-old dog, said she probably had not eaten in four or five weeks.

"The dog was starved pretty badly," Pitman said of the dog when it arrived. "You could see virtually every bone in her body."

The 3 1/2-year-old weighed 28 or 29 pounds but should have weighed 50 or 55, he said.

Animal shelter workers named the dog "Ethel".

"She's so sweet. That's what's senseless about it. So sweet, wagging her tail all the time," said Director Priscilla Blenkinsopp.

Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely said neighbors called authorities about a dog after seeing it tied to a porch, emaciated, and alone.

Lt. Brad Curnutt investigated the case, obtained a warrant and on Wednesday arrested Sherry Dunn Dugger 49, of 26528 Bethel Road in Elkmont on a charge of cruelty to animals, Blakely said. She was released from the Limestone County Jail after posting bail of $750 on the felony charge.

"We sent one of our officers up there. When he got there, he contacted animal control because the dog looked like it had about starved to death," Blakely said.

"That is against the law and that's something we take very seriously here in Limestone County," Blakely said.

Dr. Pitman said Ethel probably would have only lasted another week in her condition. Once Ethel puts on a few more pounds, Pitman said she should be fine.

The judge could decide to take the dog from her custody, or she could give the dog up for adoption.

References

« AL State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Limestone County, AL

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