Chester County man jailed for assaulting dog Ava

WEST CHESTER – A Chester County man will be banned from owning pets in the future after recently pleading guilty to charges that he abused a dog that had its leg amputated.

On November 8, defendant Curtis Bacon entered a plea to one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a misdemeanor. As part of a deal negotiated by Deputy District Attorney Bridget Gallagher and Bacon’s attorney, Assistant District Attorney Sameer Barkawi, he was sentenced by Judge Thomas “Tip” McCabe to 13 to 60 months in prison.

In addition, Bacon, 34, of South Coatesville, agreed to pay restitution to the Brandywine Valley SPCA for the veterinary care of Ava, the dog he abused, and is prohibited from owning any animals or pets in the future.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said in a press release about the case: “Thanks to the joint efforts of Brandywine Valley SPCA and the prosecutors in this case, we were able to ensure that the person responsible for torturing a helpless dog for brought to court.”

“We are grateful to our humane attorneys and the entire team at the Chester County District Attorney’s Office who were able to get justice for Ava and ensure that no other animals suffer at the hands of her abuser,” said Adam Lamb , CEO of the organization. officer.

“It’s a miracle that Ava survived with the kind of injuries she suffered, and it’s sickening to think about the trauma she endured, but we’re glad that her life of abuse is behind her and that she has a whole life ahead of him in a loving home. said Lam.

On December 15, 2023, officers from the South Coatesville Police Department and an officer from the SPCA’s animal control unit obtained a search warrant to check on Ava’s welfare after a tip that Bacon was abusing the dog.

Upon arrival, officers discovered Ava was malnourished and withdrawn. Ava was missing her right hind leg, which appeared to have been recently removed, and her left eye was injured. Ava was rushed to the Veterinary Referral Center in Malvern, where doctors discovered she had numerous injuries, including a traumatic amputation of her lower leg. Ava also suffered multiple other fractures that healed in abnormal positions and was severely emaciated.

Ava survived and is doing well now. A volunteer for the SPCA hired Ava to guide her through both treatment and recovery. Ava was later adopted after being medically cleared to go home. She now walks the streets of West Chester with her new owners.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA Animal Protective Services Unit was the lead investigating agency and was assisted in this investigation by the South Coatesville Police Department.

To contact staff writer Michael P. Rellahan, call 610-696-1544.

Originally published: November 14, 2024 at 9:52 AM EST