PA SPCA: Two Found Guilty In Separate Animal Cruelty Cases
WARNING: CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES AND CONTENT SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTURBING.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pennsylvania's SPCA says it has secured two guilty verdicts in two separate animal cruelty cases.
In the first, 35-year-old Melissa Martinez of North Philadelphia was found guilty of animal cruelty after her dog was found dead on her property. Officials say she failed to provide the animal with water and clean shelter. Martinez was sentenced to 90 days probation of animal ownership and was fined $750.
In the second, 27-year-old Jerrell Haywood of Spruce Hill was also convicted of animal cruelty, this time for failure to provide veterinary care.
Authorities say on August 18, Haywood surrendered his dog to Philadelphia Animal Control who immediately called the SPCA's Humane Law Enforcement. The dog, named Squiggly, was so emaciated, all of his bones were visible.
Haywood was also sentenced to 90 days prohibition of animal ownership and ordered to pay a $750 fine.
Since receiving ongoing medical care, Squiggly is now a healthy and happy pup and has been adopted by a loving family who officials say will give him "the home he deserves."
To report animal abuse, call the Pennsylvania SPCA's cruelty hotline, (866) 601-SPCA.