Urge Maximum Penalty in Drill Attack on Dog

RE: DOCKET/CASE NUMBER H17B-CR08-0036590-S

We the undersigned write to thank you for upgrading charges against Severino Cruz to add one count of felony animal cruelty, a Class D felony, to the original charges of one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and one count of disorderly conduct for his alleged attack on a pit bull on January 13, 2008. It is my understanding that the defendant has applied for a special form of probation that would allow him to avoid jail time or any permanent criminal record. Given the seriousness of this crime, I urge you to oppose that request when the case is continued on April 30. 

According to news reports, the dog, Baby, bit Mr. Cruz's son on the arm. Cruz's brother took the boy to a hospital, where he was treated and released. Upon learning of the incident, the defendant allegedly went directly home and used Baby's chain to drag her against the side of her cage. He then stabbed the dog in the head with a power drill, and bored a series of holes into her head, according to court documents. The dog was later euthanized because her injuries were so severe.

To allow an individual capable of perpetrating such a malicious act of torture to go unpunished or not sufficiently punished would be to sanction this horrific crime. If a guilty verdict is delivered, I urge you to pursue the maximum penalty of five thousand dollars and five years imprisonment, with sentencing to include a permanent ban from owning or harboring any animals, with periodic checks by animal control. In addition, please oppose any request for community service that would involve animals, and ask for a more appropriate venue for the service. By doing so you will be sending a strong message to other potential abusers in the community that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.

Only we can speak for the voiceless victims of these types of crimes, and I thank you for giving this case the serious consideration it rightly deserves.