A Lancaster woman will face felony charges in Lancaster County Court for beating her dog earlier this month as a neighbor video-recorded the abuse.
District Judge Adam Witkonis, after watching the video at a preliminary hearing Monday afternoon, ordered 28-year-old Ashley Gaston be tried on all charges, including aggravated cruelty to an animal.
Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson presented testimony at the preliminary hearing about the June 7 beating of a pit bull, “Trigger,” at Gaston’s Beaver Street home.
Gaston is charged with repeatedly kicking “Trigger” and stomping on the 1-year-old dog’s head, then commanding her 9-year-old son to beat the dog.
After finding enough evidence to bound over the case, District Judge Witkonis ordered that Gaston’s bail remain at $50,000. Gaston’s attorney requested it be modified; ADA Wilson opposed that.
The dog sustained cuts and contusions, including bruised lungs, and received care at Philadelphia veterinarian clinic. The dog will be placed with a new owner.
Lancaster city police Officer Isaac Witmer testified at the hearing.
Gaston is charged with felony counts of aggravated cruelty to an animal, endangering a child, and misdemeanor corruption of a minor. She is presumed innocent.
Lancaster city police Officer Ryan Burgett filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright