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Serial Animal Abuser Gets Max Sentence After Gruesome Crimes
2 Jun
Summary
- Woman received maximum four-year sentence for animal cruelty convictions.
- Previous convictions involved malnourished, dismembered, and dead animals.
- Court ordered no possession of animals except for one service animal.
Shayna Faye Burko, 30, received a four-year prison sentence on Monday in Warrick County for multiple felony counts of animal cruelty. This sentence represents the maximum aggregate punishment possible for consecutive Level 6 felony convictions.
Burko's history includes two prior animal cruelty convictions. In 2018, she was convicted of five counts, receiving a suspended sentence and probation. A 2023 conviction involved malnourished and dismembered animals, including a dead German Shepherd and a decapitated dog, for which she received two years of probation and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. She was also ordered to not possess any animals other than one service animal.
The most recent charges stem from January 2025, when deputies responded to a complaint and found approximately 20 dogs, birds, turtles, sugar gliders, a cat, bearded dragons, and fish, some of which were deceased. Burko's mother faces similar charges, with her jury trial set for July 7.
Additionally, on June 9, prosecutors in Vanderburgh County will seek to revoke Burko's 2023 probation, potentially adding more prison time to her sentence. This developing situation highlights the ongoing legal proceedings against Burko for her repeated offenses.
