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Sentencing would be a coin-toss in some states, wouldn't it?

Fri, 2007-10-26 21:18 - Kerry

Tossing dog off balcony gets man 3 years in jail

S.C. man apologizes for injuring puppy during fight with girlfriend

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21492378/?GT1=10450

CHARLESTON, S.C. - An incredulous judge sentenced a man to three years in prison for tossing a 10-week-old puppy off an apartment balcony during an argument with his girlfriend.

The Yorkiepoo, a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle, was in a soft-sided container but suffered head injuries and had to be put to death.

Javon Patrick Morris, 22, apologized for throwing the puppy off the third-floor balcony last March and pleaded guilty to animal cruelty.

“You mean he threw a helpless animal off three floors because he was mad at someone?” Circuit Judge Edward Cottingham asked a prosecutor before issuing the sentence Thursday.

The judge, who has owned nine dogs, said he was obligated to issue a tough sentence.

“There is nobody in this world that can understand that,” Cottingham said.

He sentenced Morris to five years, suspended to three years in prison and two years of probation. Morris, who will be eligible for parole in 20 months, also was ordered to get anger management counseling.

“I’ve got to send a message to all dog lovers that we are going to protect that interest in our courtrooms,” Cottingham said.

Comments

Fri, 2007-10-26 21:22 — Kerry

"send a message to dog lovers"

What is that message, judge and jury?

"Let's not kick the cat when it comes to our four legged furry friends, [but frig the kids at home]" ?

Good thing that couple was just girlfriend-boyfriend and all they had was just a puppy.  Imagine if they were an old married couple and that mutt was a crying foster or adopted child!