Shooting dog was animal cruelty, judge says

[City Lights]

Fawn:


Bartlett:

Shooting dog was animal cruelty, judge says
Wadsworth man could face prison time

BY TONY GORDON
DAILY HERALD LEGAL AFFAIRS WRITER [e-mail]

Posted Wednesday, May 16, 2007

A Wadsworth man was found guilty of felony cruelty to animals Tuesday for shooting a neighbor's dog that had come onto his property.

Associate Judge Joseph Waldeck rejected James Bartlett's contention that he was trying to protect his own dog on Aug. 20 when he shot and wounded the intruding canine.

"He (Bartlett) believes that because of the ruralness of where he lives, his actions were justified," Waldeck said. "I find the defendant's testimony inconsistent and unbelievable."

Bartlett, who also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possession of a weapon without a state firearm owner's identification card, faces up to three years in prison when he is sentenced June 28.

more... http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=313084

[ThomCat]

1. Good!

:)

Now, let's see what kind of sentence he gets.

[flvegan]

2. This is actually a FANTASTIC ruling.

In many states/communities, a stray dog on another person's property is considered by definition, vermin, and CAN be eliminated by deadly force.

This may help future prosecutions, standing as case law that can be recited if upheld on appeal.

Bravo!

[City Lights]

3. I thought it was great news.

:bounce: I hope I'm equally pleased after his sentencing, next month. :-)