'Justice' for severely malnourished, abused dog could come this week
Photos of Gabriel, when he arrived at Dunn County Humane Society in November of 2019, tell much of the story. The 2-year-old was horrifyingly thin - about 24 pounds, skin wrapped tightly around his bones.
The local Wisconsin police described him as "severely malnourished," later calling his condition "alarming" as the investigation continued.
Eighteen months later, and Gabriel's former owner, Anne Iehl, is scheduled to go on trial in connection with the case.
The trial of the 29-year-old Iehl is scheduled to begin Wednesday morning in Dunn County, Wisconsin, according to court records. Iehl, from Menomonie, is charged with felony mistreatment of animals, and intentionally failing to provide food for an animal, a misdemeanor.
At the time charges were filed, WMTB reported, authorities accused of Iehl of initially lying about finding Gabriel on the side of the road, but later admitted Gabriel was actually her dog. A vet found Gabriel had been starved.
Iehl pleaded not guilty to both charges in July of 2020.
"Gabriel’s story is one of remarkable strength, perseverance and an amazing will to live," Dunn County Humane Society wrote earlier this week, noting Gabriel is healthy and "living his best life" with the family that adopted him in January of 2020. (Gabriel's current owners provide updates on a dedicated Facebook page.)
"While Gabriel has moved on and is loving life… there is one last thing needed before he can truly move on. Justice," the organization continued. "We ask that you keep Gabriel and his family in your thoughts during this stressful, emotional trial. The trauma Gabriel endured will be difficult to think back on as witnesses testify."
Iehl's trial is scheduled to last two days. It will be livestreamed here.
