A Coatesville, Pa. man has been sentenced to prison and is banned from ever having animals in the future after pleading guilty to Aggravated Cruelty to Animals related to the abuse of the dog Ava, local news reported. Curtis Bacon will serve up to five years in prison. He must also repay the Brandywine Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BVSPCA) for Ava’s veterinary care.
Ava’s story was met with sorrow and outrage when police found her crying in pain after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen. Ava was severely malnourished, with wounds on her face and a leg that shockingly looked as if it had been intentionally cut off. She was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic, where doctors discovered the horrifying extent of her injuries.
Ava also had broken teeth, damaged lungs, wounds, and it looked as though older fractures were healing at different rates — suggesting a history of abuse. Ava needed surgery to amputate the remainder of her severed leg. But somehow, through it all, sweet Ava continued wagging her tail and lovingly greeting her doctors and caretakers.
A volunteer at the BVSPCA then took Ava into foster care — and the affectionate, playful dog who had been through so much won her heart. Three months later, Ava’s foster family signed the adoption papers which made her a permanent member of the family.
Ava’s case shows how important it is say something if you fear an animal is being harmed. We don’t know what would have happened to Ava had it not been for a the compassionate person who heard her cries and alerted the authorities, who went on to save her life.
Lady Freethinker thanks the more than 40,000 people who signed our petition demanding justice for Ava and calling for the person responsible be banned from ever again having animals. We also welcome the news that Bacon’s sentence includes this prohibition to prevent other animals suffering similar abuse.
