Supporters of Sammy the cocker spaniel are criticizing the delayed sentencing of the dog's former owners.
"The ploy here is to sentence them 10 before Thanksgiving and with Christmas coming up the attorney for the Morgans figures the judge will feel sorry for the Morgans and not put them in jail for the holidays," wrote the moderator of the Sammy the Cocker Spaniel Facebook page. The sentencing was delayed during a proceeding today.
Last month, Keith Morgan entered pleas of guilty to abuse and animal cruelty, and filing a false report with police.
Shauna Morgan entered guilty pleas to two counts of abuse and neglect. A charge of abandonment was dismissed. Attorneys met for about two hours before the pleas were entered to arrive at the plea bargains.
During that court proceeding, Judge Robert LePore requested a presentencing report before the pair are sentenced. The charges carry fines, a maximum of six months jail time and up to three years of probation.
Victor Amato, the chief humane law enforcement officer of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, last month called the plea a "win," because the charges that were dismissed mirrored others charges with which the Morgans had been charged.
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