Animal rescue surge in Mahoning County, charity says abuse is on the rise wfmj.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wfmj.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
YOUNGSTOWN James A. Jones, 35, of Sherwood Avenue, received a six-month jail sentence Wednesday after pleading guilty earlier to cruelty to a companion animal.
Authorities said a pit bull mix died in Jones’ yard of malnutrition. Animal Charity / Humane Society investigated complaints and found the dog dead, prosecutors said.
Before sentencing, Jones told Judge Anthony Donofrio of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court: “I really love animals” and showed the judge photos of other dogs in his care. Jones said the dog that died belonged to his nephew.
“I would never hurt an animal,” Jones said. The examination of the dog after it died showed that it had food in its stomach, Jones said. He also has argued that the dog may have died from an illness.