Wilder woman pleads guilty to animal cruelty

July 9, 2006
The Associated Press
The Times Argus

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Wilder woman will spend eight days on a prison work crew after pleading guilty to one count of animal cruelty.

Michelle Greene, 37, also has been ordered to undergo psychiatric counseling, according to Windsor County Deputy State's Attorney David Cahill.

Greene was charged after police found starving dogs, a ferret, guinea pigs and parrots at her home in April.

As part of the plea deal, Greene has given up her rights to the 19 animals, Cahill said.

"This is a case that started with the best of intentions and ended somewhat as a nightmare," Cahill said.

"The plea agreement was an attempt to balance the suffering of the animals with Ms. Greene's embarrassment and remorse," he said. "This is not the case of someone who willfully hurt an animal."

Greene must pay restitution to the people and shelters who cared for the animals after the police seized them on April 21.

The ferret had to be destroyed because of the neglect.

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