Milan woman receives probation in animal cruelty case

By Art Aisner AnnArbor.com Freelance Journalist

Posted on Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 12:12 p.m.

A Milan woman who left a puppy tied with a collar so tight that it became embedded into the dog’s neck over time was ordered to serve probation and to pay fines, court records show.

Heather Feist, 36, was sentenced to an unspecified term of probation and must pay $860 in court fines and costs, court records showed.

In January, Feist pleaded no contest to one count of animal cruelty for neglecting Lou, an 11-month-old Labrador mix. The dog was found in her home by authorities and had an infected neck wound caused by the collar.

Feist told officers Lou was given to her by a friend, and the puppy was hyper and needed restraints to protect her belongings. She relinquished ownership in October, and Lou is recovering nicely at the DHK Animal Rescue in Milan, police said.

A court order barring Feist from owning pets remains in effect.

Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.