LEWISTON, Maine — The woman accused of abandoning a dog outside of a Lewiston animal shelter pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday morning.
The dog was later hit and killed by a car.
Sarah Vye was arraigned in Lewiston District Court at 8:30 a.m. She is facing one count of cruelty to animals.
In February, surveillance video showed a yellow Lab mix being dropped off in the Androscoggin Humane Society’s parking lot.
The dog, named Abby, was hit and killed by a car three days after being abandoned.
Vye called a Portland radio station a day after Abby was found dead. She said she left her dog at the shelter to protect her children.
Vye’s charge is a Class D misdemeanor, which means, if convicted, she could face up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
The Androscoggin Humane Society has started a fund in memory of the dog. They’re selling bracelets to raise money in Abby’s honor.