Terrence Cody, former Raven’s player, starved his dog to death.He allowed Taz, a Canary mastiff, to waste away, shrinking from 100 pounds to a mere 50 pounds.

Taz’s condition was so shocking that the veterinarians who saw him called for an investigation that revealed Cody and his girlfriend, Kourtney J. Kelly, were also in possession of marijuana and an illegal “pet” alligator. Not surprisingly, the alligator was also found to be neglected.

Shockingly, Judge Judith C. Ensor acquitted Cody and Kelly of all felony charges related to animal cruelty, opting to instead charge each with multiple misdemeanors. While Ensor referred to the acts as “morally reprehensible” she also acknowledged that not all such acts are illegal. Sentencing is expected to occur in January.

Lack of felony convictions in clear cases of severe abuse are clearly a cause for concern and why we at IDA will continue our Justice for Animals Campaign. Allowing a dog to starve to death over a period of weeks is absolutely one of the worst forms of animal cruelty and should be met with highest penalties.

Read more here and here.