Nassau Woman Gets Prison Time for Animal Abuse That Left Puppy Disfigured

Story published on Aug. 4:

An Oyster Bay woman was sentenced to one year in prison Wednesday in connection to the improper amputation of the leg and ears of a pit bull puppy named Miss Harper, according to the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

Shawana Hughes, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlicensed practice and aggravated cruelty to animals. She was also barred from owning animals.

According to the AG, Hughes and her husband Lee Hughes, 42, of Westbury, helped Reginald Smith, 35, of Westbury, practice veterinary medicine without a license to treat injuries to the puppy’s right hind leg and ears from July 1, 2013 to Aug. 30, 2013.

The AG claims they mutilated the animal’s leg and and maimed her ears by cutting them off. Miss Harper was put up for adoption after receiving care by veterinarians.

• More photos of Miss Harper can be found here: Maimed Puppy Looking for Home as Officials Hunt Her Abusers

Shawana Hughes was also sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years probation in 2014 for failing to provide proper veterinary care for a severe injury suffered by her dog, Snowball, leading to amputation of one of the dog’s legs, authorities said. Her husband was also involved in this case.

Smith was sentenced to a conditional discharge, and Lee Hughes is scheduled to be sentenced next Wednesday.

Image via NCSPCA