Wichita, Kan. (AP) —A Kansas woman faces a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals after a caged and starving dog was discovered next to a trash dumpster earlier this month.
Raykesha Hardyway, 26, made a first appearance in court Tuesday in a case that accuses her of “unlawfully and knowingly” abandoning “a pit bull named Kodak ... without making provisions for its proper care."
Court records do not list a defense attorney for her.
The pit bull-boxer mix was alive but “extremely emaciated” when it was found locked in a kennel. The complaint filed in the case alleges the dog was left on or about Jan. 8.
Police started investigating on Jan. 9 after receiving a call from the Wichita Animal Action League, a local animal rescue organization. Police have said Hardyway was arrested four days later after tips and witness interviews.
The Wichita Animal Action League has said in online posts that the dog, which is now named “Bowie,” is about 2 years old and weighs about half of what it should. The organization is caring for the dog and expects he will be ready for adoption in spring or early summer.
A criminal bench trial is scheduled for Feb. 13.