Chapter 13 - THE ANIMAL-CRUELTY CASE
The legal consequence for Buddy was narrower than neighbors expected.
No severe injury.
No prior animal-cruelty record.
Margaret accepted a misdemeanor resolution involving:
fine,
probationary conditions,
veterinary reimbursement,
no intentional contact with Buddy.
Emily wanted more at first.
Then Buddy started walking normally again.
That changed her priority.
She wanted:
safety,
distance,
documentation.
Not spectacle.
Margaret paid the vet bill.
No apology.
The check memo said:
Settlement of disputed incident.
Emily laughed when she saw it.
Then deposited it.
May you like
Money did not equal remorse.
It still paid Buddy’s treatment.
