Trial Set For Norristown Woman Who Left Pit Bull Out To Die

NORRISTOWN, PA — The trial for a woman charged with felony animal cruelty has been set following a ruling from a Montgomery County judge during a preliminary hearing Thursday, according to court documents.

Cecilia Ann Johnson, 64, left her pit bull, Champ, out in the freezing weather to die on Jan. 6.

During the hearing this week, Judge Gregory Scott ruled that Johnson would face trial for both the felony animal cruelty charge and neglect of an animal for her actions, documents show.

The incident occurred after a criminal complaint had already been filed against Johnson, in addition to four complaints of animal cruelty filed in the year leading up to the dog's death.

Champ, a tan pit bull, was found outside of a residence on the 1200 block of Swede Street. The overnight low the previous night had been negative 2 degrees, with a wind chill of negative 20 degrees, police said.

An animal autopsy on Champ revealed that he had died from hypothermia due to "non accidental neglect." Champ was also underfed and was dehydrated, as his drinking water had frozen, police said.

"Treating an animal inhumanely is a serious crime, and we are going to seek justice for Champ's death," DA Kevin Steele said in a statement.

The incident spurred outrage from animal rights activists in the community, and a Facebook page, Justice for Champ, has advocated strongly for owner to be held legally accountable ever since Champ's death.

Organizers with that group say that from Jan. 2017 to just before Champ's death, the SPCA and Norristown Police Department were called several times by local residents concerned over Champ's well-being.

"I and others refuse to let this be swept under the rug, to be forgotten about," a post on the page from last week read. "Change must occur to attempt to prevent this from happening again to another dog. Champ endured cruelty for quite some time before his passing despite warnings and help offered to his owner. There must be consequences to those actions."

Authorities said a lengthy investigation was necessary in order to build the strongest possible case for prosecution.

Johnson was arraigned on April 6. Bail was set at $10,000, and she was released upon posting.

Assistant District Attorney Lauren Marvel will lead the prosecution.

Image via Montgomery County District Attorney's Office