MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - A former Memphis Animal Services veterinarian is on trial in the starvation death of 3 pit bulls.

The Commercial Appeal reports (http://bit.ly/RTPLat) jurors on Tuesday were shown pictures two dogs dead in their cages and a third that was so emaciated that it had to be euthanized. That picture from September 2009 was distributed on the Internet and brought international attention to the shelter.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office deputies raided the shelter in October 2009.

Angela Middleton is charged with six counts of animal cruelty and faces one to six years in prison.

In opening arguments, Middleton's attorney said that his client was not responsible for the animals' deaths. He said there were more than 50 employees and volunteers are responsible for feeding the hundreds of animals at the shelter.

Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com

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