AUGUSTA — An Oakland woman will spend four days behind bars for leaving her dog outside to freeze.
Patricia Thompson, 49, was convicted last month of criminal cruelty to an animal. Authorities said her 12-year-old German shepherd, Major, was found outside her home frozen to the ground, bleeding and malnourished in January 1996.
The dog’s injuries were so severe it was later euthanized by animal control officials.
On Monday, Thompson was sentenced in Kennebec County Superior Court to 120 days in jail with all but four days suspended, one year probation and a $400 fine. Thompson was also ordered to get counseling and was forbidden from possessing any pets.
The court delayed execution of the sentence, however, pending an appeal by Thompson’s lawyers.
County prosecutors had sought a one-year sentence, the maximum penalty for the conviction. Assistant District Attorney Paul Rucha called the case the worst example of animal cruelty he had ever seen.
Defense lawyers said Thompson loved Major but was too ill take care of the dog.
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