Mother did nothing while children abused 7-week-old puppy, prosecutors say

LACEY -- A mother is charged with animal cruelty for allegedly allowing her young children to abuse a 7-week-old puppy.

According to charging documents, Natasha Pabon was home while her children abused Bella, a German Shepard mix puppy.

A veterinarian examined Bella, watched the video and said the dog "experienced significant pain from the trauma."

Officials say Bella is "recovering well" in a foster home.

Prosecutors say a neighbor recorded the abuse and turned the video over to authorities.

“It was bad. It was really, really bad. I just, I can’t. I can’t watch that and I will not, will not let it happen if I have something to do about it,” neighbor Brandi Luckey told Q13 FOX News last month.

“We would see the children pick the dog up by the collar off the ground and throw it,” Luckey said.

The kids include two 7-year-old sisters, and their 3-year-old brother.

“Our video, it does show the little boy, he’s about 3, he goes and lays on her and one of the little girl comes over and steps on her head and neck area and it yelps,” Luckey said.

Animal Services officer Erika Johnson took the call.

“This is the worst attack on a baby animal I’ve ever seen by children. They were witnessing the three children abusing the puppy,” Johnson said. “If the neighbors hadn’t said anything, the dog easily could have been killed."

Q13 FOX News has previously reached out to Pabon who denied a request for an interview.

Second-degree animal cruelty is a gross misdemeanor with penalties of up to one-year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.

Pabon is scheduled to appear in court on August 5th.

Watch our report from June 11th: