Idaho man receives jail for injuring ex-girlfriend's mini schnauzer
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) - A judge in northern Idaho has sentenced a Coeur d'Alene man to at least 30 days in jail for seriously injuring his ex-girlfriend's miniature schnauzer last summer.
The Coeur d'Alene Press reports that 27-year-old Michael Dobler was sentenced on the misdemeanor animal cruelty charge by Judge Penny Friedlander Monday. Prosecutors said Dobler offered to walk the three-year-old dog named Shaylee last year but returned the mini schnauzer with serious injuries. A vet testified that the animal had injuries consistent with being kicked and dragged behind a vehicle.
Dobler never admitting harming the dog, but entered a modified guilty plea agreeing that there was enough evidence to convict him.
Thirty days isn't enough. This guy is violent. Today a defenseless animal, tomorrow maybe a child or woman. The Judge needs more discretion in sentencing, by degree of the crime
I appreciate the judge giving this man jail time instead of a small fine. When is Idaho going to pass a felony animal abuse law instead of making them all misdemeanors? In light of the recent monkey death at the Boise Zoo I think its time lawmakers open their eyes and realize we need tougher laws to deter people from harming animals.