Police have now tracked down and charged a woman who posted a Facebook photo showing her dog’s mouth taped shut.
Katharine F. Lemansky, aged 45, was charged on Monday in Cary, North Carolina where she admitted the incident with her chocolate Labrador-mix named Brown occurred, Town of Cary police said.
Lemansky, who police said is listed on Facebook as Katie Brown of South Daytona, Florida, has been charged with one count of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
‘Taping the dog’s muzzle shut was a terrible decision on Ms. Lemansky’s part, and charging her with animal cruelty under North Carolina law was the right thing to do,’ Cary Police Captain Randall Rhyne said.
Rhyne noted that it was also important to note that animal control officers who physically examined the dog and her litter mates found them all to be very well cared for, which is why they ‘did not and could not remove them from the owner’.
‘The dogs are currently on their shots, spayed, and microchipped,’ he said.
‘They are clean and well-nourished and appear to be comfortable in their surroundings.
‘And there were no signs of injury to Brown’s muzzle, not even detectable hair loss.’
Lemanksy prompted a public outcry and a flood of messages were reportedly sent to local officials from thousands of people after she posted the picture of her dog on Friday.
South Daytona Police chief Ron Wright said people on Facebook were even making death threats, according to WESH.
If convicted, Lemanksy could face a fine and up to 150 days in jail.
Read More: Woman arrested after posting photo of dog with mouth taped shut
