Judge refuses to toss out Fox Lake woman's animal neglect charges
A Lake County judge denied a motion Monday to dismiss misdemeanor charges against a Fox Lake woman accused of neglecting her dog so badly the animal had to be euthanized.
However, Judge Veronica O'Malley said defense attorneys have until Jan. 7 to seek further details from prosecutors regarding the charges against Mary Pierce, 39.
Pierce faces up to six months in jail and a $1,500 fine if found guilty of violating her duties as an animal owner. Probation also is possible.
She was charged after creating a social media stir when her 14-year-old dog, Orion, was taken to a veterinarian by a Lake County Sheriff's Office sergeant who found the dog wandering July 25. The sergeant thought the dog was abandoned and the vet chose to euthanize the animal due to his condition, authorities said. Pierce released the name and address of the sergeant on social media.