GREENFIELD — A couple was sentenced to three years’ probation after pleading guilty to animal cruelty in Franklin County Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Yarras P. Fletcher, 35, and Aliah K. Rivera, 27, are prohibited from possessing any animals during their probation and must complete an online animal welfare course. Judge Tracy Duncan delivered the recommended sentencing after the defendants’ attorneys stressed that the cruelty charges were the result of addiction and financial hardship rather than malice.

Assistant District Attorney Ryan Scott explained that in July 2023, the couple’s male pit bull was taken to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter following Greenfield officials’ observation of its poor condition. The shelter director called Sgt. William Loiselle of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Law Enforcement Department, who responded to the facility the following day.

A veterinary examination concluded the severely underweight dog had broken teeth with root exposures and an enlarged heart due to neglect and long-term cardiac stress, according to Scott. The dog, named Cash by its owners and given the name Conrad by the shelter, is reportedly now healthy and in a new home.

Scott said Greenfield Police officers, the animal control officer and Health Department personnel had previously responded to the defendants’ Colrain Road apartment several times for various reasons. Throughout June 2023, Health Department employees responded to the home due to its conditions. Scott said the animal control officer later followed up on “various complaints about pet ownership by Ms. Rivera and Mr. Fletcher,” and provided guidance on how to better care for the dog.

“The animal control officer also provided direct dog food assistance to both parties when requested,” Scott said.

On July 10, 2023, officers responded to the home for an unrelated issue. Though they did not enter the house, Scott said, they noticed the dog was locked in a cage with large amounts of urine and feces, and was so thin its rib and hip bones were visible. The canine also did not have access to any food or water.

The officers reportedly notified the animal control officer about their observations. According to Scott, the Health Department condemned the home on July 12 and the dog was taken to the shelter. Rivera reportedly told officers that she had had the dog for about five years and had tried to find it a new home.

Defense attorney Stephen Shea, who represented Fletcher, said his client did his best caring for the dog while in the throes of addiction and financial struggles.

“They were, essentially, feeding the dog when they could,” he told Duncan, adding that his client was unable to care for even himself.

Defense attorney Isaac Mass, who represented Rivera, said his client and Fletcher always took whatever help was offered. He said the fact that Rivera willingly surrendered the dog to police proves she cares about its well-being. Rivera and Fletcher are reportedly working on their sobriety.

Duncan said if Fletcher and Rivera cannot afford the online animal welfare course they can return to court to request their probation conditions be reconsidered.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.