Jose Antonio Mosqueda, 18, was sentenced to just 270 days in jail (with credit for 156 days already served and for good conduct) after he admitted to taking a pet tortoise from an autistic boy, slashing its legs and neck, stabbing it through the shell, and throwing it against a wall. His attorney said that the boy is remorseful and the prosecutors cut this deal in Ventura California. Once again, the problem is how prosecutors deal with such animal cruelty cases. It is not simply the wanton violence committed against this creature or an autistic boy, it is the fact taht Mosqueda is clearly a sick and violent individual. His attack on a helpless creature and theft from a disabled child reflects a deep and dangerous violent nature. He was eligible for a three-year sentence, which is about right if he got the maximum. Instead, he will spend less than a year. For the full story, click here This is precisely the type of decision by prosecutors that outrage animal rights activists and signal that violence against animals is treated closer to a property offense.