Woman Accused of Killing Dog In AACo. Learns Her Fate

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—A woman accused of kicking a dog to death learns her fate on Wednesday after she's found guilty of animal cruelty charges.

"I had to listen to his heart to make sure. And he was gone. I had to see how much pain he was in," said Jessica Lyn Miskiman, who had trouble holding back tears recounting the horrific incident with WJZ.

The 3-month old Teacup Chihuahua was named in memory of Miskiman's late dad who loved motorcycles.

Harley died on Father's Day shortly after police were called to the Linthicum Heights home for a report of an injured dog.

Neighbor Sabrina Richards was accused of kicking and stepping on Harley during a fit of rage, crushing its skull after she apparently showed up looking for her husband who was visiting at the time.

"We heard someone barging up our front steps here and barging in our closed door," said Seth Sura, owner of Harley.

"I didn't think until I went to close the door on her," said Miskiman. "I didn't even take the hand off the door knob and then we heard the Yelp and that was it."

According to the court documents, Richards initially denied kicking or stepping on the dog but then told police if she did kick the dog she didn't mean it.

Richards was charged with 4 counts of animal cruelty.

She offered to plead guilty in exchange for about a week of jail time, but the judge stunned the courtroom by sentencing her to 30 days in jail, a year probation and mandatory anger management treatment.

Richards, a dog owner herself, is also barred from getting any other animals.

"We are greatly for the 30 days and we just want to put this to a close," said Sura.

The couple set up this memorial near the spot Harley took his last breath and are holding on to his ashes. They even got a new dog names Marley, to help fill the void.

"He was perfect. He was like one of my kids. I feel like she took one of my kids from me," said Miskiman.

The dogs owners tell WJZ it's hard because every time they look across the street at their neighbor's they are reminded of what happened to Harley, but say the verdict will help them heal.