Queens Woman Accused Of Neglecting Dog Found Tied To A Tree

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Queens woman faces animal cruelty charges for allegedly neglecting her dog.

Crystal Lashley, 18, was arrested earlier this week, months after her 6-year-old German Shepherd mix, named Briana, was found tethered to a tree with a visible neck wound on Foch Boulevard in Jamaica, announced the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Briana was taken to Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital after being found on Aug. 21. Veterinarians determined the dog was dehydrated, underweight, infested with fleas, and suffering from a painful neck wound, the ASPCA said.

The dog continues to recover at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

Lashley has relinquished ownership of the dog to the ASPCA.

She was was arrested on Tuesday and charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

Lashley is due in court on Dec. 6.