HIGH POINT, N.C. – The abused Greensboro dog that inspired “Susie’s Law” in North Carolina has been nominated for a national award. Susie has been nominated in the 2014 Therapy Dog category of the American Humane Association Hero Dog award.
Susie’s Law made animal cruelty a low-level felony and allows judges to sentence offenders to jail in certain cases. It went into effect in 2010.
The law passed after a court sentenced a man in 2009 to probation for setting his girlfriend’s dog, Susie, on fire.
North Carolina citizens became outraged and contacted their state representatives, urging for tougher penalties.
Susie was found with severe second and third-degree burns over most of her body in Greenfield Park in south Greensboro. Her ears were burned off and she had a broken jaw and teeth.
Susie was taken to the Guilford County Animal Shelter and eventually adopted by Donna and Roy Lawrence.
Susie has since become a certified therapy dog. She goes to schools, hospitals and churches to bring messages of kindness, respect and responsibility to children and adults.
