Ok, so what should be the penalty?

[Cougar Mag]

A couple of days ago in a neighboring county a sheriff's deputy returned home only to find his beloved pet bird dog lying in a pool of blood with one leg completely severed and left to die. Very shortly the dog had to be euthanized. No leads as of yet, but its strongly suspected it was an act of revenge against the deputy who is said to be well liked and one of the more lenient LEO's in the area. But most likely the revenge factor involves meth because the deputy specilizes and takes great pride in gathering evidence and helps in arresting meth makers.

What sort of penalty should be applied if anyone is caught an convicted for such an act against his pet? Its been noted by other officials that someone who could commit this act could surely commit a violent act against another human being as well. Should any penalty take into account what sort of future violence a person may commit? I know not the penalties or existing state statues regarding penalties of this sort of crime.

By the way, the deputies pet was tied up underneath a shade tree and was said to have been a very friendly dog.

[Mastevt]

I don't know much about law, but in mho, the court would have to follow the law that is written about such a crime against an animal. A potential crime against a person that one could argue that this perp. is capable of,probably wouldn't be allowed in court due to it's irrelivence. I feel for the dep. Sheriff, but this guy will probably just get a good slap on the hand, ifffff they catchhim.

[Allegheny]

I believe the good guys will take care of business if the time comes...and sooner or later the time comes.

[Tazman]

Coug laws vary from state to state, but killing a dog is a felony in many states, the way and why this dog was killed is even a more serious felony, I do not know how much time the guy would get if convicted, but I would imagine they would get the maximum penalty because when the judge sentences someone after they have been found guilty all of the mitigating circumstances are presented and given consideration in the sentencing of the person. Let me put it this way, the judge will throw the book at him.

[kevin1]

What sort of penalty should be applied if anyone is caught an convicted for such an act against his pet?

The penalty prescribed by the existing laws should be sufficient , and that's probably no more than an animal cruelty violation unless the dog was a police dog . This assumes that they catch the guilty party , which is unlikely .

Should any penalty take into account what sort of future violence a person may commit?

No , a crime perpetrated in the future hasn't yet occurred . Deal with the current offense .