JeffCo D.A.: Trussville woman who left dog in hot car could face over 10 years in prison

Stephanie Shae Thomas photo courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Trussville resident Stephanie Shae Thomas, 34, who was arrested on Friday for aggravated cruelty to animals, could face more than 10 years in prison, according to Jefferson County District Attorney Mike Anderton. Thomas was arrested after leaving her dog inside a hot car on July 4 for seven hours, killing it.

Alabama law says “a person commits the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals if the person intentionally or knowingly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment or cruel neglect. Ala. Code 1975 §13-11-14, 14.1 (Code of Alabama 1975, Title 13, Chapter 11, section 14). Aggravated cruelty to animals is a Class C felony with fines up to $6,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

According to Anderton, Thomas bonded out Friday morning and could face more penalties due to her prior felony convictions. Those convictions could increase prison time up to life or 99 years and fines up to $15,000.

It could be up to a month before Thomas’ case is set for a preliminary hearing.