William Jackson, whose age and address were not immediately available, owned a German shepherd that weighed just 38 pounds, the agency said. Typically, such dogs weigh between 62 and 80 pounds.
The agency released a picture in which the dog's ribs were clearly visible.
It was the second time in two years that Jackson was charged with animal cruelty, the agency said.
Last year, the city attorney's office declined to prosecute a case against him that was investigated by the SPCA.
The dog is now in the care of a foster family, and he has already become much healthier and heavier, pictures distributed by the SPCA show. The shepherd weighs 75 pounds now, the agency said. The SPCA is looking for a permanent home for the dog.
Along with having to serve a 45-day jail term, Jackson was ordered to pay a $684 fine. He also is barred from owning animals in the future, save for fish, according to the SPCA.
(The Times-Picayune - March 2, 2010)
