Woman Jailed for Causing Dog to Starve to Death

Woman Jailed for Causing Dog to Starve to Death

by Sherry Morse

San Francisco, CA resident Raija Hossainy was recently sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to causing her dog to starve to death by confining the animal in a closet and then abandoning him.

The incident, which took place in June 2001, occurred in Hossainy’s apartment while she was moving out.

The dog was last heard barking by neighbors approximately three weeks after Hossainy left.

The animal’s body was discovered on July 30, 2001 by police who responded to complaints about a foul odor coming from the apartment.

"Ms. Hossainy engaged in behavior that is by definition cruel - not negligent," said the prosecutor, Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Hardie, while arguing for a harsh sentence. "A message should be sent to the community that such conduct is inexcusable and will not be tolerated in the judicial system."

"I don’t think (the sentence) is enough for what she did," said Voices for Pets President Leroy Moyer. "That was such cruelty."

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.

By Animal News
Published: 7/13/2003
 
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