ESCANABA — The previous owner of the small dog that rallied a community to donate above and beyond for medical expenses due to injuries from neglect was sentenced in Delta County District Court Tuesday.

Mark Thomas Blake, 52, of Escanaba, pleaded guilty to animals abandoning and cruelty to one animal and was sentenced to 15 days in jail. The sentence will be served in three day stretches over the course of five consecutive weeks. He was placed on probation for two years. The terms of his probation are Blake is to not own any type of animal and he has to set up a payment plan with the probation department.

He was ordered to pay $5,152.53 in restitution and $1,150 in fines and costs. Blake was also required by the court to complete 250 hours of community service.

Chevy, a Jack Russell terrier mix, was found in August by Escanaba Public Safety officers. She had suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, broken jaw, fractured eye socket, loss of vision in one eye, broken teeth and many deep lacerations all over her body, but mostly on her head. The injuries were caused by another dog, however, Chevy had suffered for 10 days without medical treatment before Escanaba Public Safety found her.

Chevy’s injuries were sustained by another dog Blake was watching.

According to the police report, Blake didn’t think Chevy’s injuries were as bad as they were.

Blake mentioned during the sentencing hearing he had thought the only injuries Chevy had suffered were the gouges on her head, which he said he had cleaned.

In the state of Michigan, it is required by law to provide adequate care to animals. In the law, adequate care is defined as the provision of sufficient food, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, exercise and veterinary medical attention in order to maintain an animal in a state of good health.

Blake was arraigned on Oct. 3 and had a pre-trial hearing on Nov. 20 where he pleaded guilty to animals abandoning and cruelty to one animal.

Chevy had a total of three surgeries during her time at the Delta Animal Shelter. To help with the dog’s medical expenses, community members had donated $7,730 to the Delta Animal Shelter.

Chevy was adopted by a new family right before Christmas.

Blake is to report to Delta County Jail on Feb. 4 to begin serving his jail time.