Sarah Maiden was found guilty of animal cruelty on Wednesday in Page County Circuit Court, following the death of her German Shepherd, Rosie. The jury reached its verdict after hearing testimony and evidence throughout the day-long trial.
Maiden had pleaded not guilty earlier in the day, and jury selection began shortly afterward. The trial resumed in the afternoon with opening statements from both the prosecution and the defense. The prosecution described Rosie’s deteriorated condition when brought to the emergency vet, while the defense argued that the dog had ongoing health issues and difficulty maintaining weight.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence and called multiple witnesses, including Maiden’s brother. He testified that he found Rosie lying in the backyard and took a photo of the dog while Maiden was decorating the front yard. The responding deputy and the veterinarian who examined Rosie also testified. The vet stated that Rosie was extremely malnourished and dehydrated and recommended euthanasia due to her condition.
When the prosecution rested its case, the defense called Maiden’s father to the stand, followed by Maiden herself. She described fostering and later adopting Rosie, explaining the dog’s ongoing struggles with weight. She also spoke about how her advancing pregnancy made it harder to care for the dog and her efforts to help Rosie gain weight and find her a new home.
In closing arguments, the prosecution asserted that Maiden failed to take proper action to care for Rosie and only brought her to the vet under pressure. The defense countered that she had not intended to harm the dog and had tried to address Rosie’s issues.
The jury ultimately sided with the prosecution and found Maiden guilty of animal cruelty. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
