PAW PAW TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Brandi Espinosa on Friday reached an agreement with the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office regarding animal abandonment /cruelty charges.
Espinosa was sentenced to six months of probation, five days in jail (or one weekend on the Sheriff’s Office work crew) and $1,220 in fines and costs.
She had pleaded not guilty to one count of cruelty to animals and two counts of dog not licensed.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division took care of her two pit bull mix dogs after the animals were seized Sept. 26, 2012 from an apparent vacant home in the 41000 block of Paw Paw Road in Paw Paw Township.
The dogs were found emaciated and chained up outside the residence. Espinosa told police she believed she was caring for the dogs just fine. But there was no water available for the dogs to drink and only a small amount of dry food in a bowl nearby. She said she does not live at that home but gave the dogs food and water daily.
The dogs are now in excellent health, as well as to be friendly and very energetic, according to a news release. They were transferred to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, 641 S. Crystal Ave. in Benton Harbor, where their future adoptions and homes will be sought.
You are welcome to visit www.vanburencountysheriff.com and click the Animal Control Division header for information on dogs and cats regarding possible adoption. You can also become a friend of the Animal Control Facebook page, which contains new photos of housed animals, and updated information on a variety of animal care and control issues.
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