No Contest Plea In Coventry Animal Cruelty Case

COVENTRY, RI — A Coventry woman pleaded no contest to an animal cruelty charge and was sentenced to 50 hours community service.

Caitlyn Pelton, 25, was also forbidden to possess pets as a condition of her sentence.

Related: Emaciated German Shepherd Rescued, Owner Arrested: Coventry Cops

Pelton was charged with unnecessary cruelty to animals nearly three weeks after officers sent to a home on Circlewood Drive Dec. 19 found a starved German shepherd "confined to a sunroom" of the residence, according to a media release from the Coventry Police Department.

"The dog was clearly emaciated with his ribs, hips, and spine visible through the skin," the release said. "There were no indications that the dog had access to any food or water."

See also: Dog Left To Starve In Empty Warren Apartment: Cops

Animal control took the dog, named Hanz, to an area animal hospital, but due to his condition, they were referred to an emergency facility, according to the release.

See also: Huge South American Lizard Found By Providence Man Shoveling Driveway

Hanz's condition improved and he was adopted, the police department posted to its Facebook page.

See also: MA Man Brought Roosters To Rhode Island For Cockfighting: Feds