The former bird researcher at the National Zoo who was convicted of animal cruelty for attempting to poison food left out for feral cats in her Columbia Heights neighborhood was sentenced Wednesday and might avoid any time behind bars. Dauphine was sentenced to 180 days in jail, which was then suspended; 120 hours of community service; and a 12 month probationary period during which she is prohibited from working or volunteering with cats. “Justice was served today,” said Lisa LaFontaine, head of the Washington Humane Society.
