ARAPAHOE COUNTY - The owner of Neeko, a dog found starved last month in Aurora, will appear in court at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 24.

Kristy Knecht, 29, was charged Wednesday with two felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

She faces a year to 18 months in prison, plus up to $100,000 of fines on each count. She also could receive as little as probation, Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers announced Wednesday.

Neeko, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found abandoned in Knecht's Aurora home Aug. 21. He weighed 30 pounds, less than half his normal body weight, and evidently had eaten another pet - a German shepherd - to survive.

Chambers said her office considered whether to charge Knecht with a misdemeanor or a felony. She said the evidence supported the higher charge - which covers torture or needlessly mutilating or killing an animal.

"I think it's just a tragic circumstance that could have easily been avoided," Chambers said. She advised people who are having trouble taking care of their pets to ask someone for help.

Aurora Animal Care spokesperson Cheryl Conway agreed. She said tips about abused or neglected animals can be made anonymously.

"We believe the charges are appropriate. And we would like to express our appreciation that even though this is a really horrific case, it can be used to highlight the state of Colorado's animal cruelty laws," Conway said.

Meanwhile, Neeko will be in the hospital for another two months, Conway said.

She said many people would like to adopt Neeko, but Knecht remains Neeko's legal owner. She said adoption requests will remain on file and may be processed if Neeko's ownership changes.

Conway said donations continue to pour in for Neeko's care. Earlier estimates pegged the cost at $10,000 or more.

Conway said the shelter is seeking grants to help with the costs but asked that people also continue to send donations to Aurora Animal Shelter, attention veterinary care, 15750 E. 32nd Ave., Aurora, CO 80011.