NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey woman whose dog authorities say was found near death, wrapped in a plastic bag and thrown down her building's garbage chute has avoided going to prison.
A judge sentenced Kisha Curtis on Thursday to 18 months of probation. She pleaded guilty last month to fourth-degree animal cruelty.
Curtis admitted tying her pit bull to a railing in her Newark apartment building in 2011, then leaving it for more than a week.
The judge says Curtis is unlikely to do the same thing again. He also pointed out the dog recovered and the case led to tougher penalties for animal cruelty.
Nicknamed Patrick when he was brought to an animal hospital around St. Patrick's Day, the pit bull mix was nursed back to health.
His plight attracted thousands of online followers around the world.
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