Woman charged after dog muzzled with duct tape in Facebook photo

CARY, N.C. (WPVI) -- A woman who authorities say posted a picture on Facebook showing her dog with its mouth taped shut has been charged with animal cruelty.

Police say 45-year-old Katharine Lemansky, whose Facebook page identifies her as Katie Brown, was staying in Cary, North Carolina with her dog when the photo was taken.

Police say she admitted that the incident took place in Cary.

Lemansky posted the image of the chocolate Labrador Retriever named "Brown" before 10 a.m. Friday with the caption, "This is what happens when you don't shut up!!!"

Police say Lemansky's listed residence is South Daytona, Florida but she has ties to Connecticut. Her Facebook page states she attended Central Connecticut State University.

Following a barrage of calls from concerned animal lovers, Connecticut police investigated an address associated with Brown's family but quickly determined the incident did not occur there.

"Taping the dog's muzzle shut was a terrible decision on Ms. Lemansky's part, and charging her with animal cruelty under North Carolina law was the right thing to do," said Cary Police Captain Randall Rhyne.

"At the same time, it's important to also note that our animal control officers who physically examined both Brown and her littermate found the dogs to be very well cared for, which is why we did not and could not remove them from the owner. The dogs are current on their shots, spayed, and microchipped. They are clean and well-nourished and appear to be comfortable in their surroundings. And there were no signs of injury to Brown's muzzle, not even detectable hair loss."

The animal cruelty charge carries a fine and up to 150 days in jail if convicted.

Lemansky must appear in court December 14.