TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Tallahassee pet rescue owner was sentenced to 30 days in jail for animal cruelty on Monday.
Judy Du Bois’ sentencing comes after being found guilty of eight misdemeanor charges on November 19.
Du Bois, who has been in custody since being found guilty, will get credit to 15 days time served.
Her sentence will be followed by 60 days in a work camp.
On the confinement charges, Du Bois was sentenced to almost five years of probation.
As a part of her sentence, she cannot own or care for any animals. Her name will also be on the animal abuse registry.
During the sentencing, several people spoke on Du Bois’ behalf, telling the judge how many animals she has rescued and found homes for over the years
One friend of Du Bois said that she loves animals.
“She’s not a threat to animals. The only thing she doesn’t know how to do is say no to an animal that needs help, so she overloads herself,” her friend said.
Du Bois tearfully apologized for her actions.
“I just feel horrible about what happened,” Du Bois said. “I’ve given 40 years of my life as a volunteer for animals. I didn’t get paid for this job, I did it because I cared. I understand that my rescue days are over. I’ve given up everything.”
Du Bois’ attorneys asked for time served, but if that’s not an option, asked for one year of probation.
The judge upheld the charges against Du Bois, saying the state did not overcharge her.
“I’m going to be perfectly blunt. Since I was here to actually see the evidence that was introduced in trial, when it was introduced, I thought I was watching an ASPCA commercial. That’s how bad it was,” the judge said.
He also said that Du Bois’ sentence would be harsher if not for her brother, who has special needs.
“I’m going to hold you accountable, but I’m not going to create another victim with respect to your brother,” he told her.
She was arrested in May 2024 after confining animals without sufficient food and water. Around 90 dogs were taken from her Sparrow Road property.
During Du Bois’ trial in November, prosecutors highlighted the “dirty and disgusting conditions” the dogs were in, telling the jury the animals were trying to dig through the wires of their enclosures.
Defense attorneys said Du Bois took care of the dogs well and that they were hydrated and fed.
Du Bois can appeal the guilty verdict and sentence within 30 days.
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