Christy Rebecca Goodwin, 39, of Canon is charged with one count of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
Canon Police Chief John Thomas said Goodwin was arrested Thursday morning and was in the Hart County jail awaiting a bond hearing Thursday afternoon.
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| Christy Goodwin |
Authorities said the dog, a white pit bull named Spud, was left in a pen without food or water.
Northeast Georgia Shelter manager Sheri Lockhart said the dog was discovered by Canon authorities early Tuesday morning.
"Canon has two animal control officers. ... They responded to a call about a dog not being fed and found this dog," Lockhart said.
Thomas said the dog belongs to Goodwin's boyfriend but was in a pen on her property.
Goodwin's mother had taken out a restraining order against the dog's owner, and he was not allowed on the property to get the dog, Thomas said.
Lockhart said when the animal control officers found the dog, he was near death.
Shelter staff members took Spud to Royston Animal Hospital, where a veterinarian determined the dog was suffering from a number of issues, including anemia, flea infestation and heartworms, all brought on, according to their report, by neglect and starvation. He also suffers from sores on his rear legs, according to the report.
"On a grade of one to 10, with one being the poorest condition, the vet determined the dog is a four,"Lockhart said. "He is skin and bones, and even his face is sunken in."
The vet's report was sent to Thomas as part of his investigation. Thomas said he consulted with Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Parks White, and they determined that enough evidence existed to charge Goodwin.
Under the Georgia Animal Protection Act, neglect of an animal is defined as, "the intentional withholding of food and water required by an animal to prevent starvation or dehydration."
The penalty for misdemeanor neglect or animal cruelty in Georgia is up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine for each count.
Thomas said the owner, whose name has not been released by authorities, will be allowed to reclaim the dog at the shelter provided that the man pays the $55 adoption fee and agrees to have the dog neutered.
Goodwin will be responsible for repaying an expenses the city and the animal shelter incurred providing care for Spud.
Lockhart said for now, Spud will remain the custody of the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter and already is gaining weight.
Thomas said his investigation continues, and he will continue to follow Spud's progress if the owner reclaims the dog.
(Anderson Independent Mail - Jan 31, 2013)
