HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - A Madison County circuit judge has sentenced a former animal advocate and dog-show champion to 20 consecutive weekends in jail in an animal cruelty case.
Circuit Judge Loyd Little Jr. sentenced 40-year-old Michelle Lesley Charles on Friday to two years probation along with the weekend jail time. He also ordered Charles to complete 200 hours of community service and pay a fine and court costs.
Charles pleaded guilty in April to mistreating animals that were in her care. Her ex-husband, Stephen Charles, had alerted authorities after hearing dogs barking when he picked up his daughter for a scheduled visitation in 2006.
Deputies said they found two miniature Doberman pinschers dead in their cages, having apparently starved, and other signs of abuse.
