Animal cruelty results in five years probation for Jefferson County woman

NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
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GOLDEN, Colo. – Larysa Pavlona Leuchanka (DOB: 04-25-1960) was sentenced Tuesday to five years probation for animal cruelty charges in Jefferson County. The terms of Leuchanka’s community supervision prohibit her from being in contact with the dogs who were victimized and owning or breeding any animal.

"The defendant's neglect for the safety of the dogs in her care resulted in one being injured but it could have been much worse," said Allie Galvan, a Deputy District Attorney in the First Judicial District (Gilpin/Jefferson). "We are satisfied with the court's decision to ensure that other animals in our community won't be placed in similar danger."

On June 23, Leuchanka pled guilty to Cruelty to Animals – Neglect or Mistreatment, for an incident that occurred on April 13, when she was driving with a dog and puppy unsecured in the back of a trailer. A witness who saw the dog hanging out of the back of the trailer honked and got Leuchanka to pull over. After being warned about the danger to the animals, she drove off with them still in the back.

Animal control officers from the Lakewood Police Department were dispatched to the scene and began their investigation. The following day, they were notified by animal control officers with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office that the dog later fell out of the trailer on Interstate 70. It was transported to Foothills Animal Shelter where Leuchanka confirmed that the dog was hers and the one pictured in a photo hanging out of the trailer.

About Colorado First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King

Taking office in January 2021, elected District Attorney Alexis King leads the Colorado First Judicial District Attorney’s Office which serves Gilpin and Jefferson counties. Consisting of over 180 prosecutors, victim-witness coordinators, investigators and support staff, the office is committed to creating safer and healthier communities for all through community partnership, alternatives to prosecution, transparency and equity.

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