Teen faces abuse charges in puppy stomping

Story Published: May 8, 2008 at 2:37 PM PDT

Story Updated: May 8, 2008 at 2:37 PM PDT

By Associated Press

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A 19-year-old Medford woman has been charged with aggravated animal abuse that includes stomping a 3-month-old puppy.

Medford police said that about 10 witnesses near a shopping mall told officers a young woman clutching a Pomeranian puppy had been throwing it to the ground, stomping on it and swinging it by its leash.

An officer said the young woman was squeezing the small dog so hard it couldn't breathe. He says he asked her to hand him the dog, but she refused and threw it about 10 feet onto the pavement.

Shasta Dawn Parnell was held at the Jackson County Jail. Police say she may suffer from a mental illness.

The puppy was taken to the county animal shelter.

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