Owners Of Neglected Clinton Township Dog, Elvira, Sentenced

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Three Clinton Township residents who co-owned Elvira, a Shih Tzu found last fall with a missing paw and hair so matted she couldn’t see out of her one good eye, were sentenced to 18 months probation and an equal share of partial restitution by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Edward Servitto on Wednesday. Christopher Penn, Sonja Sturdivant and Demico Knight Jr. received the sentence after pleading no contest.

“While in our eyes the punishment doesn't quite fit the crime, we are extremely pleased with the sentencing that was handed down by Judge Servitto,” said Rebecca Akins, President and co-founder of N.B.S. Animal Rescue. “Elvira's case will help pave the way for stricter laws and increased sentencing consequences that send a message to others in Macomb County. Animal abuse and animal torture will not be tolerated!”

The dog, named Elvira by the team at Advanced Animal Emergency who saved her life, was found roaming the streets of Clinton Township on Oct. 31 by Macomb County Animal Control. Besides her physical injuries and hair matted with feces, the dog had other health issues as well, including broken bones in her hind legs and deep skin ulcerations.

She required extensive care, and Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said at the time felony animal cruelty charges were filed against the three responsible for the dog’s care — Penn, Sturdivant, and Knight Jr. — that she was the “dog version of Cinderella.”

“There was another dog in the house that lived upstairs, that was taken on daily walks, that was treated the way any other dog should be treated,” Smith said, according to a report on WWJ/CBS Local. “But for some reason – this sweet little dog was left in the basement in its own filth, never taken outside and hardly fed at all and left to wither away.”

“One look at this poor creature will break your heart, and fill you with anger at the individuals who allowed this to take place,” Smith said.

For the past six months, Elvira has been recovering with N.B.S. Animal Rescue, a foster-based animal rescue organization based in Troy. Elvira’s unique combination of medical issues required a team of veterinarians and dedicated foster parents to aid in her rehabilitation. With follow up care at Michigan State University for her broken leg and additional rehab sessions as she learns how to walk again, her medical care will easily exceed $15,000.

Elvira’s foster parents report that she is a very happy and loving dog. Her tail rarely stops wagging when she’s around people she trusts. Elvira thinks that the most amazing treat on earth is peanut butter – preferably frozen and in a Kong. She enjoys wearing pink sweaters when it’s chilly outside, tolerates the pink bows her foster mom puts in her soft fur, and loves a good nap in a super cushy dog bed.

N.B.S. Animal Rescue is holding several fundraisers to assist with Elvira's care. Please visit their website or follow them on Facebook for details.

Beth Dalbey (Patch Staff) contributed to this report. File photo.