There is a new twist to the story we've been following about JJ, a dog neglected then abandoned in a recycling dumpster in Grand Traverse County. 

    Deputies now say the dog's owner; a 46 year old Traverse City woman turned herself in this morning for the crime.

     Last month we told you someone had found the small dog in a recycling dumpster in Grand Traverse County.

     He was taken to a pet hospital and treated frostbit ears and malnourishment.

     The vet said it was obvious the five or six year old dog hadn't been cared for much his whole life.

     Now he is on the mend and gaining weight while in foster care. 

     Today officers say the woman who reported finding the dog in the dumpster was actually the dog's owner.  

     Investigators are not releasing her name yet.  Officers say she's being charged with animal cruelty and animal abandonment.

   After we first reported this story, a lot of you wondered, what punishment someone could face for treating an animal like this.

       The answers are this Fact Finder Report.

          I went straight to the source, and the section of the Michigan penal code dealing with the treatment of animals is extensive. 

     But the very first thing the law says is the animal's owner shall not "fail to provide an animal with adequate care."  It is also against the law to abandon an animal, or to neglect it among other things. 

     Someone who violates these laws for one animal could be charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to 93 days in jail, a $1,000 fine and 200 hours of community service. 

     If the crimes include 2 or 3 animals or the death of an animal, the penalty goes up to a year in jail, a $2,000 and community service of up to 300 hours. 

     It becomes a felony if it involves more than 4 animals or someone with a prior conviction.

     The maximum penalty, which would cover abuse on 10 or more animals or two prior convictions, could land someone behind bars for up to 4 years, a $5,000 fine and 500 hours of community service. 

   So for a case of neglect and abandonment, like we saw with JJ, officers say the dog's owner is being charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to 93 days behind bars. 

     I'd like to know what you think about the state's animal abuse laws.  Leave your comments.  And if you would like to read the complete law click here.