PITTSBURGH \u2014 A puppy is at the center of an animal abuse case out of Pittsburgh\u2019s North Side. Now, it\u2019s being prepared for adoption.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, overall, he really did get a rough start, but he has really bounced back,\u201d said Michele Frennier of the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. \u201cYou can see he is a staff favorite. He is energetic, he is playful. Overall, he had a good body score when evaluated by our medical team.\u201d<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Woman charged with animal cruelty after allegedly zipping puppy up inside suitcase in Pittsburgh<\/a><\/p>\n According to court records, witnesses reported seeing 56-year-old Jayme White hit a puppy along Avery Street on the North Side, then put the puppy in a suitcase.<\/p>\n Officers reportedly asked White if there was a dog inside her suitcase, and she said there was. Police claim the suitcase was totally closed, with no way for the puppy to breathe.<\/p>\n White is facing charges of animal cruelty. The presiding judge initially posted a $1,000 bail, but that was altered to a court-ordered mental health evaluation before White\u2019s hearing on April 7.<\/p>\n As for the puppy, the rescue says it should be ready for adoption within the next few days.<\/p>\n \u201cThe individual relinquished their rights, so we are in the process of removing him from court hold,\u201d Frennier said.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n