NATCHEZ — A Natchez woman received a suspended jail sentence and fine after being convicted of animal cruelty.

Adams County Justice Court Judge Patricia Dunmore found Natasha Lewis Short, 30, of 74 Cedar Lane, guilty of simple animal cruelty.Lewis received a 60-day sentence and $245 day fine, which were suspended Short will still have to pay the $150 in court costs and the veterinarian’s bills for the treatment of a dog that was confiscated as part of her case.

Short, along with her brother Robert Lewis, 29, were arrested Aug. 10 in connection to a mid-July incident. Adams County Sheriff’s Office Victim’s Advocate Karren Ewing said she found a mistreated dog at Short’s Cedar Lane address. The dog had been tied to a pipe and left in the sun with no food, water or shelter.The dog had suffered a heat stroke.

While freeing the animal from a rope and getting him water, Ewing and the dog were attacked by yellow jackets.

The dog was taken to a veterinarian clinic and treated, and was later adopted.

Ewing said Wednesday she did not know why Lewis was not also prosecuted in the matter, and he had allegedly admitted to her to being the dog’s owner.

“Animal cruelty is a serious problem in Adams County, and until these offenders are held accountable we will not begin to get control of the problem,” she said. “Volunteers and law enforcement dedicate countless hours both on duty and off duty for the sake of these animals.   We can only do so much to get justice for the animals and the rest is up to the courts to prosecute the offenders.”