On May 10, 2012 , Hope Animal Sanctuary (IDA-HAS) received an urgent report that three starving dogs were tethered at the residence of Shana Sutton and Lavelle Mays. Montgomery County Deputy, Jodi Windham, accompanied me to the residence and confirmed and documented the extreme starvation of the dogs. [singlepic id=31 w=320 h=240 float=right]

A seizure order for the dogs was issued and Deputy Bryan Long joined Windham and Stanley in the rescue of the dogs. The dogs were placed in the custody of IDA-HAS.

Late last week the couple entered a plea of guilty, but the presiding judge, Judge Bamberg, wanted the details of the case before sentencing them. After viewing just five photos Judge Bamberg said he had seen enough and imposed a maximum sentence. The couple was fined $1,000 each, placed on probation, and received a suspended a three month jail term to be imposed if the fines are not paid.

I was truly proud of Judge Bamberg for his ruling. [singlepic id=29 w=220 h=140 float=left]

When he admonished Mays for his treatment of the dogs he told him he certainly hoped he did better by his children. I was relieved that Judge Bamberg soundly understood that innocent animals and people are equally imperiled by negligent and cruel people.

You will be happy to know that the dogs have since fully recovered, and we ensure they are placed into loving forever homes.

—Doll Stanley