CARY, N.C. – The woman South Daytona police identified on Monday as the person who posted a picture of a dog with duct tape wrapped tightly around its mouth has been charged with animal cruelty.
The picture sparked both outrage on social media and a police investigation.
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Police said the social media page belonging to Katharine Lemansky, 45, showed her living in South Daytona, but authorities later found the picture was taken in Cary, North Carolina.
South Daytona officials reportedly heard from Lemansky's family, who told them she had not lived in South Daytona for more than a year.
Lemansky was found in Cary and charged by North Carolina police.
"Taping the dog's muzzle shut was a terrible decision on Ms. Lemansky's part, and charging her with animal cruelty under North Carolina law was the right thing to do," said Cary Police Captain Randall Rhyne. "She realizes she made a terrible decision."
Police said they worked with law enforcement agencies in two states to determine jurisdiction and to pursue a quick resolution to the situation, which prompted public outcry.
"The picture posted on social media was very disturbing and our department worked very hard to resolve this case," said South Daytona Police Chief Ronald Wright. "We are also appreciative of the Cary Police Department's assistance."
The posting went viral online, with the city of South Daytona's Facebook posting reaching 1.4 million people and receiving more than 19,000 comments and 600 messages, according to a news release from police.
The city said it also brought in extra resources to handle the calls into the police station.
"It's important to also note that our animal control officers, who physically examined both Brown and her litter mates, found the dogs to be very well cared for, which is why we did not and could not remove them from the owner," Rhyne said. "The dogs are current on their shots, spayed and microchipped. They are clean and well-nourished and appear to be comfortable in their surroundings. And there were no signs of injury to Brown's muzzle, not even detectable hair loss."
Lemansky's charge carries a fine and possibly up to 150 days in jail. She is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 14.
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