By Carmen Ensinger
Another animal cruelty charge has been filed in Greene County, this time against the owner of a local animal rescue group.
Greene County States Attorney Craig Grummel filed one count of Cruel Treatment to an Animal against Harleigh E. Burnett, 26, of Roodhouse on July 9 in Greene County Circuit Court. Burnett operates the Wild and Free Animal Rescue in Roodhouse.
According to court documents, Burnett failed to provide necessary care and protection to a dog named Loki, resulting in significant injury, malnutrition, dehydration, flea infestation, exposed bone and nerve endings and failure to obtain veterinary care for a partially amputated tail and other health conditions, including parasites and infection.
Burnett is required to appear before Greene County Circuit Court Judge Zachary Schmidt at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4 to answer this charge. A petition for forfeiture of the dog prior to trial and notice to owner were also filed.
Burnett had appeared before the Greene County Board in May to seek to become the animal control officer for the county. She had also appeared before the Winchester City Council to become their animal control officer.
Cruel Treatment of an Animal is a Class A Misdemeanor and punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
