Pet Spa Owner Fails to Show in Court on Cruelty Charges, Lawyer Says ‘Miscommunication’
At first, authorities were ready to bring up new charges after the owner of a Pasco pet spa failed to appear in Franklin County Court Tuesday.
Michelle Burt, 28, did not show up for a motion hearing, but then authorities say her attorney communicated the 'wrong' day for her appearance.
It has been reset for January 29th. Burt is facing one count of First Degree Animal Cruelty stemming from an August 2018 incident.
Burt, who operated the Paw Spa on Road 68, is free on bond, but cannot have any contact with animals or pets until her case is adjudicated.
A variety of witnesses, reports and claims have surfaced alleging Burt strangled animals with ropes, broke a broomstick over a dog's back, and was responsible for two animals dying while under her care. A cat was allegedly strangled by her, and a dog died after a seizure. The owner said it had been left in a tub of cold bathing water.
Other pet owners claim she was abuse to animals. The Franklin County Prosecutor chose to level the charge after an investigation.