The defense for a woman accused in a Newtown animal cruelty case made an application for a diversionary program Tuesday inside Danbury Superior Court.

Susan Marucci, of Newtown, turned herself in last month on an outstanding warrant.

Police say co-workers at Pleasant Paws Pet Center in Newtown witnessed Marucci trying to trim the nails of a dog named Abigail. They say she go frustrated with the dog and started yelling at her. Police say Marucci restrained the dog to the point where the dog became unconscious.

This allegedly occurred on Oct. 20, 2022.

Her attorney Aaron Leonard told News 12 Connecticut that that kind of behavior does not match his client's character.

"Miss Marucci has been a friend to animal lovers and pet owners here in the Fairfield County area for over 20 years and as we saw today, there was a large group of people here in support of her,” he said. “I think that speaks to that well-earned reputation."

Police say Marucci told them the poodle she was grooming at Pleasant Paws had to be muzzled because it tried to bite her and she acted in self-defense. An employee at Pleasant Paws told News 12 Connecticut that Marucci was let go and was a contractor, not an employee.

Leonard said he hopes once this rehabilitation program is approved that this case will be wiped clean from Marucci's record.

She is due back in court in September.

Marucci's attorney also says his client has worked with numerous animal welfare groups over the years and has helped to raise money for local shelters.