A Florida woman, Elizabeth Jaimes, was sentenced to over five years in prison after being caught on camera abusing a Husky named Maya with a rubber mallet. Jaimes moved into a home in Tampa and began abusing the dog, leading to visible injuries and multiple trips to the veterinarian for treatment. Kimberly Johns, the owner of Maya, urged the judge to impose a harsh sentence on Jaimes for the prolonged abuse the dog endured.
Maya was initially a healthy dog, but soon after Jaimes moved in, Johns noticed cuts on her head and took her to the veterinarian. Subsequent visits to the vet revealed more injuries, including a twisted toenail, staples in her head, and difficulty walking. A hidden camera was set up at the vet’s recommendation, capturing Jaimes striking Maya 38 times with a mallet. The veterinarian treating Maya noted fractured ribs, spinal injuries, and signs of repeated bone fractures, indicating ongoing abuse prior to being recorded.
Despite claiming to have post-traumatic stress disorder and not remembering the abuse, Jaimes was found guilty of brutally beating Maya. Prosecutors and Johns both believed that Jaimes did not show genuine remorse for her actions. Dr. Jerika Brooks, the lead shelter veterinarian, commended Maya’s resilience and recovery after the ordeal. Jaimes was sentenced to prison for her crimes, with the judge citing the severity of the abuse captured on video as a key factor in the decision.
The case of Elizabeth Jaimes abusing Maya was described as one of the most egregious instances of animal cruelty in the prosecutor’s nearly 20-year career. Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez emphasized that animal cruelty would not be tolerated in the county. Johns expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting that such violence towards an animal should be treated with the same seriousness as if it were directed towards a human. The sentencing of Jaimes served as a strong message against animal abuse in the community.
Maya continues to receive ongoing treatment for her injuries as a result of the abuse she endured. Despite the traumatic experience, Maya’s recovery and resilience were seen as a miracle by the veterinary team. The case highlighted the importance of standing up against animal cruelty and seeking justice for the victims. The sentencing of Jaimes served as a reminder that such abuse would not be tolerated in the community, setting a precedent for future cases involving animal cruelty. The survivor story of Maya was a testament to the resilience and strength of animals in overcoming adversity.
