An Ohio woman has been sentenced to jail time for a cruel crime which left one dog dead and another severely malnourished. As reported by the Canton Rep, 26-year-old Jessica J. Swinehart, of Perry Township, has been sentenced to 10 months of jail time for the death of her beagle, who was left in a cage to starve. Swinehart also left her one-year-old German shepherd in the same cage – that dog was so starved that she resorted to eating the beagle who had already died.
The judge expressed frustration that a stronger sentence could not be made – because of state law, Stark County Common Pleas Judge Taryn Heath was unable to send Swinehart to prison. In addition to the jail time, Swinehart is sentenced to community service, a mental health evaluation, five years of probation, in addition to being prohibited from owning a companion animal.
The surviving dog
The German shepherd who survived being caged without food or water continues to recuperate in a foster home with a veterinary technician who may eventually adopt her. The Stark County Humane Society has stated that the young dog is “doing well.”
(Screenshot of booking photo via Canton Rep)
Continue reading: Surveillance video shows woman hurling puppy into a dumpster
Follow the National Animal News Facebook page for petitions, news and updates!
There is no us. There is no them. We are one. Choose your favorite style and color here.
Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. Find your favorite shirt with a message at this link to our store!
Fight animal abuse! Donate Now
I prefer dogs to people #dontjudge
Pick your favorite color and style at this link!
Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. More styles and messages at our store. Please click here to find them all!
Fostering saves lives – buy a shirt that sends a message and helps support the continuation of our website. Styles and colors can be found here.
She should be sentenced to HELL!
The people of Ohio need to contact their state representatives and demand they change the sentencing laws on animal cruelty and abuse to be a lot stricter and to make it a felony. This way a person like this won’t get a slap on the wrist.