A ten-month-old pit bull named "Bruiser," had to be euthanized after his 19-year-old owner allegedly starved him to the brink of death.
According to Tuesday's Asbury Park Press, Elizabeth Lewis of Hamilton, Ohio, has been charged with animal cruelty as a result.
Amazingly, it was not the first time that Lewis is accused of neglecting Bruiser.
Back in August, Bruiser, just a young pup, was taken from Lewis because he was lethargic and malnourished. His teenage owner was brought up on an animal cruelty charge, but Hamilton Municipal Court Judge Daniel Gattermeyer found Lewis not guilty.
Tragically for Bruiser, the not guilty finding allowed Lewis to regain custody.
The local dog warden was alerted to Bruiser's current state of health by someone who saw the emaciated puppy fall down the stairs at Lewis's apartment complex.
In light of Bruiser's death, Butler County Deputy Dog Warden Tonya Hanson plans to ask the judge to ban Lewis from owning animals, stating:
“I don’t want to give her another chance to mistreat another animal,”
Lewis claims that the situation with Bruiser is a "huge misunderstanding."
She claims that Bruiser suffered from mange, and often, lacked an appetite.
She did acknowledge that he had deteriorated a great deal and that he should have been humanely euthanized, but claimed to not have the funds to do so.
A second dog belonging to Lewis has been removed from her care.
Lewis must appear in court on March 6 to face charges of animal cruelty and failure to license a dog - both charges are misdemeanors.
Click here to watch a WKRC News clip on this case.
If you would like to continue receiving the latest dog related news, tips and advice, please click the "Subscribe" icon which is located at the bottom of this column. It is free and anonymous to sign up
For updates and further discussion, follow the National Dog News Examiner on Facebook and Twitter!
I am human, if you see a typo, please let me know. Questions, comments or story ideas can be emailed to Eims1@live.com.
Comments