Facebook Photo Leads to Animal Abuse Arrests

A mother and son from New Mexico are facing felony charges after posting a photo of their new puppy on Facebook, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department.

The photo shows a smiling woman holding a plastic bag with a small, white dog inside.

A Facebook user saw the photo and reported it to authorities.

On Saturday, 21-year-old Britton James Engel and 44-year-old Mary Snell were arrested for felony conspiracy and extreme cruelty to animals.

According to Albuquerque’s NBC affiliate KOB, police say James Engel admitted to taking the picture of his mom and posting it online. Snell told police that the dog, “Baby,” wouldn’t sit still for a picture, so she put the dog in a plastic bag to show a friend how small it was.

The Sheriff’s Department says Baby is safe and in good condition.

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