SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. — Katharine Lemansky, 45, is facing charges of animal cruelty in North Carolina after she posted a photo of a dog with duct tape around its muzzle on Facebook.
Lemansky was in Cary, North Carolina, when the photo was taken, which is why she is facing the charge there.
The charge carries a fine and up to 150 days in jail if convicted. She's expected to be in court on the charge on Dec. 14.
Lemansky once lived in South Daytona and has ties to Connecticut.
Backlash over the photo was overwhelming in Florida.
South Daytona Police Department Chief Ron Wright said his officers did the right thing by thoroughly investigating the Facebook post, even though there was no evidence a crime had occurred in the city.
“The picture posted on social media was very disturbing and our department worked very hard to resolve this case,” he said.
South Daytona investigators were able to track Lemansky to North Carolina and after speaking to her by phone the department contacted authorities in Cary. They responded and after interviewing the woman, charged her with cruelty to animals.
Officials there said the dog was in good condition with no visible injuries and appeared to be well nourished.
Police in North Carolina did not confiscate the dog in the photo because there were no signs of abuse.