Md. Man Convicted In Deaths Of Nine Dogs
CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- A Cumberland man faces the prospect of more than a year in jail for leaving nine dogs to die in an empty house. Three others survived.
The Cumberland Times-News reports that 29-year-old Christopher Preston was convicted of 10 animal cruelty counts Tuesday at a bench trial in Allegany County Circuit Court.
Preston told the court he adored dogs. But he says marital and financial problems, combined with depression, made him unable to care for the animals.
Investigators say Preston left the dogs with no food or water when he moved out of the house last summer. Animal control officers found the animals several weeks later after repeated calls from neighbors.
Preston faces a combined maximum penalty of 450 days imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. No sentencing date was set.
Information from: Cumberland (Md.) Times-News
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