Good boy: ‘Champ’ passes 8 years after neglect, starvation
Champ died in Florida with his adopted family.
Champ, the Laurens County dog neglected and starved in 2018, has died, his adopters announced on the “Justice for Champ” Facebook page.
“We are grateful he was himself until his last day and did not suffer,” the post read. “Champ became the greatest blessing of our lives. He was loyal, loving, gentle and so smart.”
Champ, a Mastiff mix, was discovered chained to a tree at a Lisbon Road residence by a neighbor. The dog was severely emaciated, and investigators from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office claimed he had not be fed or given water for three-to-four weeks.
The investigation culminated in felony animal abuse charges against Elizabeth Lena James. Prosecutors said the dog belonged to James’ ex-boyfriend, and they contended that James deliberately starved the dog as an act of revenge against her ex-boyfriend.
Defense attorneys scoffed at that claim, calling it “fake news” and said James had been unfairly vilified in the media and on social media. The defense also claimed that hook works led to Champ’s emaciated condition.
News of Champ’s story went viral on social media after Rescue Dogs Rock, a New York City-based animal rescue organization, stepped in to help cover expenses for Champ’s extensive care.
Following a three-day trial in 8th Circuit Court in 2021, James was ultimately found guilty by a Laurens County jury of a misdemeanor charge of ill-treatment of animals and ordered to serve 90 days in jail, the maximum allowed under the statute, and to pay a $1,000 fine.
Champ’s adopters continued to provide updates on the dog’s recovery and new life on the “Justice for Champ” Facebook page, which still has over 49,000 followers.
“Our grief in losing him is only outweighed by the gratitude we have for being his parents and the incredible joy he brought to our lives,” the post read. “Thank you for loving him along with us, he surely deserved the best.”
