An Edgewater woman whose pit bull named Wiggins starved to death was sentenced Wednesday to 120 days in prison.
Local media reported that Volusia County Judge Bryan Feigenbaum also ruled that 37-year-old Sarah Wells will serve 12 months of probation and barred her from owning any animals during that time.
The animal shelter renamed the dog Adonis.
A police report said Wells admitted to lying to shelter workers and said the dog belonged to her.
But despite efforts by shelter workers to save the dog's life, Adonis did not survive.
There are three states in the U.S. that acknowledge that animal species experience pain and are not just property, which is why the penalties are typically not as stiff, according to an attorney.
“I saw pics of the dog this went on for months this was not an accident,” said Thomas Nicholl, a former veterinarian who now practices animal law. “There are statutes on the books which is a progression, at least, from the old situation where basically animals are considered property. They are still considered property, but now they are getting a little more recognition as being sentient property.”
Wells’ felony charge of cruelty to animals was later downgraded to a misdemeanor.
“In order to prove felony, you have to prove knowing an intentional conduct,” said Nicholl. “This is an unusual case even though its 120 days a lot of times its no days.”
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
