Owner of injured dog charged with animal cruelty

By: Kristen Kennedy - Email

Updated: Mon 11:32 PM, Oct 01, 2012

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WKYT) - There's new information in an animal cruelty investigation.

Authorities have filed charges against the owner of an injured chihuahua found inside a dumpster.

We're told Franklin May came forward to claim the dog after Jessamine County officials rescued it last Tuesday. Investigators say after talking with him about the dog and how it got in the dumpster, they decided they had enough evidence to charge him with one count of animal cruelty.

It's up to a judge to decide if he'll be arrested or issued a citation. He could face anywhere from a year in prison to a $500 fine.

Animal control officers say the community has shown great concern for the dog since we first told you about her last week.

"Everybody is really wanting to adopt the animal. We've gotten a lot of calls about adopting it. On the donation end of things, we haven't seen that much help," says Animal Control Officer Mike Cassidy.

The Jessamine County Animal Shelter is taking donations to help pay for the dog's vet care. Currently, they say they owe more than $600 in bills for the dog's veterinary care.

Police release name of man killed in Owsley County shooting