Khristina Yates pleaded guilty last month to two counts of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, court records show.
Yates left the animals while moving out of the Huron Heights apartment complex, the humane society said in a release.
"The animals were left alone for weeks in the apartment. Sadly, the birds and the guinea pig died of starvation. The cat barely survived," said Aaron Soyring, animal cruelty investigator at the Humane Society of Huron Valley. "I found her cowering near her empty food bowl. She was weak, thin and very scared. Happily, she has since been treated and was adopted by people who appreciate her."
Humane society officials said they see such cases far too often. They hope raising awareness protects other animals from harm.
"Please, if you cannot take care of your animals or cannot move with your animals, bring them to us," Soyring said. "Slowly starving to death while there are people all around who can help is unacceptable and unnecessary."
Humane Society of Huron Valley's president and CEO Tanya Hilgendorf agreed these types of cases happen too often.
"We respond to hundreds of animal cruelty complaints each year and see a lot of neglect in our community — often by people you wouldn't think would intentionally hurt an animal," she said.
Yates was initially charged with four counts of animal cruelty to two or three animals causing death. She could face imprisonment for not more than 93 days, a fine of not more than $1,000 and community service for not more than 200 hours.
People who need help caring for their animal may call HSHV at 734-662-5585. The humane society also provides free pet food assistance, safe harbor and emergency veterinary support for those in need.
(MLive.com - Nov 24, 2015)
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