We have often discussed the relatively low sentences handed out for animal abuse in the United States. A major exception to that pattern occurred this week in Plano, Texas where Judge Mark Rusch sentenced Andrew Callaway to 12 years in prison for animal cruelty and a probation violation. Callaway stomped on a boxer puppy named Diesel and threw it against a wall. The puppy later had to be put down due to the devastating injuries caused by Callaway, who told police he was upset at the time and regretted taking it out against the dog. Most of the sentence was for the probation violation.
CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reported on the story and the public outrage that followed the arrest.
Workers with Wylie Animal Control brought brought Diesel’s ashes to court for the sentencing.
The sentencing for killing Diesel (specifically cruelty to non-livestock animals) was two years while his probation violation added a 10 year prison sentence. The probation was for a drug offense.