Jennifer Kelly, 41, of 20 Orange St., was arraigned in Attleboro District Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge brought by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Officials say the dog was intentionally slashed on its belly.
But Kelly is not charged with cutting her pet, only with failing to take the female pug, called Jasabelle, for medical treatment.
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| Jasabelle is now recovering at a rescue |
Jasabelle, who's 2 or 3 years old, was rescued when a neighbor reported the animal's injury to the city's animal control department.
She was hospitalized for five days and is now in the care of Pug Rescue of New England until a new home can be found for her.
Senior Animal Control Officer Butch Keefer was stunned by the apparent cruelty.
"It's probably the worst case I've seen since I've been here," said the eight-year ACO.
"Why would anyone do anything like that?"
He said it's clear the wound was intentional, but it's not clear who did it or why.
Jasabelle suffered with the 4-inch long, straight slash that went from side to side across her belly, from June through September, according to allegations contained in court papers.
Keefer said Kelly tried to tend the dog, but the wound was infected and needed stitches and antibiotics.
Jasabelle was wrapped in a "filthy bandage" and was infested with fleas when he took possession of her, Keefer said.
"It was pretty nasty," said Keefer who owns a couple of pugs himself. "She wasn't in good shape."
MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Officer Chris Charbonneau investigated the case.
In a press release issued Friday announcing the charge, the MSPCA said its investigation could not determine who cut the dog or why because of conflicting stories from witnesses.
No one answered a phone listed to Kelly on Friday afternoon and her attorney Mark Beland declined to comment on the case.
The matter was continued until March 8 and Kelly was ordered not to take ownership of any new animals while the case is pending.
(Attleboro Sun Chronicle - Jan 12, 2013)
