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Woman Who Allegedly Starved Dog To Stand Trial

BELLFLOWER (CBS/AP) — A Bellflower woman accused of nearly starving her German Shepherd to death has been ordered to stand trial.

The Orange County Register reported that Superior Court Judge Richard Goul found sufficient evidence Tuesday following a preliminary hearing to hold Kimberly Nizato over for trial.

Nizato was arrested in April and charged with animal cruelty after her dog was found in a severely emaciated state, weighing just 37 pounds, about half of his normal weight.

The veterinarian who treated the dog, now named Courage, said his bowels were impacted with dirt, which had debilitated him to near death.

Thanks to blood transfusions, IV fluids and a high-calorie diet, Courage is up to 85 pounds and is living with a new family and a canine companion.

Nizato is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 28.

Nizato works as a veterinarian's aide, according to authorities.

 (TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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