Discovery of 2 bulldogs in poor conditions leads to charges for Springfield woman

Rhonda Raye Nicholson pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges against her two English Bulldogs, “Mya” and “Naughty Boy.” JEFF GUERINI/STAFF

Rhonda Raye Nicholson pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges against her two English Bulldogs, “Mya” and “Naughty Boy.” JEFF GUERINI/STAFF

A Springfield woman pleaded not guilty in Clark County Municipal Court on Tuesday to animal cruelty charges.

Rhonda Raye Nicholson, 49, of Springfield is accused of cruelty towards two English bulldogs she owned, “Mya” and “Naughty Boy,” according to a court affidavit.

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The affidavit states the Clark County Dog Warden was called to Nicholson’s home on Folk Ream Road in March for a complaint of two dogs living in poor conditions.

The warden found both of the dogs severely dehydrated and emaciated. They were taken from Nicholson’s home to Northside Veterinary Clinic for treatment, according to the affidavit.

The vet’s office said Mya only weighed half of what a healthy dog her age should weigh, and she had “a large bleeding mass” that was the size of a grapefruit hanging from her stomach.

MORE: SPCA says animal abuse calls spike in Clark County

During Naughty Boy’s exam, the vet’s office found that he had fleas and a severe ear infection. His vision was also impaired in one eye due to multiple medical conditions, including “cherry eye.”

Nicholson could face a penalty of 90 days in jail for the charges.

She is currently out of jail on her own recognizance.

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