(Halifax County, Va.) — A South Boston woman who was charged after rescuing an emaciated hunting dog a week before Christmas has now filed suit against Halifax County and its Animal Control department.

A judge dropped misdemeanor and felony charges brought against Christine Waddle of Vernon Hill. She was arrested December 20 after a group of hunters attempted to retrieve the dog and its tracking collar.

Waddle swerved to miss hitting the dog with her car, turned around and observed the dog to be emaciated, lethargic, and shaking.

According to her lawsuit, Waddle tried unsuccessfully to contact Animal Control and the dog’s owner, whose information appeared on a collar.

Waddle’s suit seeks compensatory damages of $750,000 plus $350,000 in punitive damages, and attorney fees.