Rhode Island: Korina Ferreira sentenced to 1-1/2 years in jail for intentionally starving her dog

RHODE ISLAND -- A Taunton woman has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for purposefully starving her two year old female American Bulldog, Pebbles, according to an MSPCA press release.

Korina Ferreira was found guilty of animal cruelty in April and sentenced on May 28, 2014 to a state correctional facility for 1-1/2 years.

Pebbles was rescued by Taunton animal control in March when the dog was found severely emaciated. She was also suffering from pressure sores and was extremely nervous. Pebbles was brought to the Taunton Animal Hospital and cared for around the clock for 10 days. She gained 19 pounds.

Tests were able to confirm that Pebbles did not suffer from an underlying illness, but that she was, in fact, intentionally starved over a period of time.

“This conviction is not only justice for Pebbles but a win for all animals rescued from abusive or negligent owners, and who await justice for enduring unspeakable suffering,” said MSPCA Law Enforcement Chris Officer Charbonneau.

Animal cruelty is a felony in Massachusetts and punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $2,500 fine.

Pebbles, after she recovered

“Animal cruelty remains a scourge in the bay state and it’s gratifying to see district attorneys, juries and judges treat these cases as seriously as we do,” said Richard LeBlond, head of the MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement department. “Our commitment to eliminating cruelty in our state is never-ending and we will relentlessly investigate and prosecute these cases to secure justice for these animals.”

Pebbles has since recovered and has been adopted.

(YeahStub - June 1, 2014)

Update:

• Korina Ferreira charged with Animal Cruelty for the 2nd time after dead and live animals found suffering in filthy home