COATESVILLE, Pa. — A Coatesville man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to aggravated animal cruelty following a disturbing case of abuse involving a dog named Ava. Curtis Bacon, 34, entered the guilty plea on Nov. 8, 2024, and received a prison sentence ranging from 13 to 60 months, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
The case, which was investigated by the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) Animal Protective Services Unit and the South Coatesville Police Department, began in December 2023 when authorities obtained a search warrant to check on Ava’s welfare after receiving a tip about suspected abuse. When officers arrived at Bacon’s residence, they found Ava malnourished, withdrawn, and suffering from severe injuries. She was missing her right rear leg, which had been traumatically amputated, and had an injured left eye.
Further examination revealed Ava was severely emaciated and had multiple fractures that had healed improperly, indicating prolonged abuse. She was taken to VRC Malvern, where veterinary professionals provided critical care. Despite the trauma, Ava survived and has since made a full recovery, thanks in large part to the efforts of BVSPCA volunteers and medical staff.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe commended the collaborative effort between his office and the BVSPCA in bringing Bacon to justice. “Thanks to the combined efforts of Brandywine Valley SPCA and the prosecutors in this case, we were able to ensure that the person responsible for torturing a helpless dog was brought to justice,” he said in a statement.
BVSPCA CEO Adam Lamb expressed relief that Ava is now safe and thriving. “It’s a miracle Ava survived with the type of injuries she sustained, and sickening to think about the trauma she endured, but we are glad that life of abuse is behind her, and she has a full life ahead of her in a loving home,” Lamb said.
As part of his sentence, Bacon is prohibited from owning animals in the future and must pay restitution to the SPCA to cover the cost of Ava’s veterinary care. Ava, now fully recovered, was adopted by a loving family after her medical treatment and rehabilitation. Today, she lives in West Chester Borough, where she enjoys a new life with her adoptive family.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Bridget Gallagher, with the BVSPCA APS Unit serving as the lead investigative agency, assisted by the South Coatesville Police Department.