PROBATION FOR 6 DOG DEATHS
Driver hired by owner pleads guilty to a misdemeanor
The woman who left six dogs in a hot, locked vehicle in April, killing them, was sentenced to 18 months probation Friday.
Sara Mauter, 32, was hired by the dogs’ owner to transport them to Texas.
Instead, Mauter abandoned the vehicle with the six animals inside in Northeast Albuquerque near Rehm’s Nursery and Garden Center on April 4.
Mauter originally was charged with six counts of extreme cruelty to animals — a fourth-degree felony — but she ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
“Sara Mauter left the vehicle in a populated area with the hazard lights on, which indicated her intention for it to be noticed by bystanders,” District Attorney’s Office spokesman Michael Patrick wrote in a news release.
“… Ultimately, when we examine the facts of the case and what we can prove at trial, the State arrives at the conclusion that it can prove animal cruelty, but it cannot prove all of the elements of extreme animal cruelty,” he said.
Extreme cruelty to animals stipulates a person intentionally or maliciously killed an animal, Patrick said.
Mauter was also ordered by state district Judge Stan Whitaker to complete an outpatient drug addiction program.
Bystanders reported the still-living dogs to animal control, but the animal control officer was “unable to locate” the vehicle, despite being given an address and information about the vehicle.
That officer, Joshua Delgado, resigned amid a city investigation into the incident.
Mauter also pleaded guilty to one count of concealing identity, a misdemeanor, stemming from an August incident.