Genesee Co. woman charged with animal torture, neglect

A 35-year-old Genesee County woman accused of abusing and neglecting a dog has been charged, officials said.

Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson Tuesday announced charges had been filed against the woman, Nataya Shalon Cabine, in a video posted on his office's official Facebook page.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton joined the sheriff in making the announcement.

Swanson said the dog, a five-month-old pit bull mix, has been named "Nugget." He said when authorities found the puppy it was malnourished, starving, and had been beaten.

"The dog's paws and its belly are yellow because it was standing and sleeping in its urine for so long," the sheriff said. "Rotten flesh and soaked in urine. This dog was within days of dying."

Leyton said Cabine is charged with a count of killing or torturing an animal, a felony, and a count of abandoning or being cruel to an animal.

"This little guy didn't deserve this," the prosecutor said. "It pains me to see this."

Cabine was arraigned Tuesday through 67th District Court in Flint, according to court records.

A judge set Cabine's bond at $50,000 and scheduled her next court hearing for April 18, records said.

If convicted, she faces up to four years in prison for torturing an animal charge and 93 days in jail for animal cruelty.

However, she could face even more prison time. Leyton said his office is charging the defendant as a habitual offender because she has four previous convictions for felonies, including assault with a dangerous weapon and third-degree arson.

As a result, the four-year felony could become a penalty of up to 15 years, he said.

"People who would do this would also hurt human beings," Leyton said.

Authorities said they began investigating allegations Cabine was neglecting a dog after a deliveryman brought groceries to one of her neighbors. The deliveryman was invited into an apartment and saw Nugget in a cage.

Officials said Cabine then allegedly began striking the dog after he urinated in the cage.

Investigators said a woman told them she witnessed the defendant repeatedly punch the dog in its face on another occasion.

Deputies who went to the residence reported the dog had no food or water in its cage and feces had piled up, according to Leyton. They also said the animal's ribs and spine were visible through its skin.

"There's no excuse for this," Swanson said. "Take care of your animals. If you can't somebody else will. You just can't beat an animal or starve an animal to death. If you do, you're going to be held accountable."

cramirez@detroitnews.com

X: @CharlesERamirez