Cat-stomper gets probation

This case - a cat stomped to death in a garbage can -  drew letters and animal-rightists, but little other attention. Hmm, what if Luke (on the sill) had been a dog?

WASHINGTON —A Northern Virginia man convicted of stomping a cat to death told a judge Tuesday that he regretted what happened, but insisted his actions were a desperate attempt to stop the declawed, 14-year-old cat from biting his leg.
The argument did not sway Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge J. Howe Brown. In sentencing Peter Landrith, 39 (above), to three years in prison, all suspended, and five years’ probation, Brown was emphatic that Landrith maliciously killed the cat
Story: DOC PDF

Boyfriend guilty of cruelty in cat's death (WashPost 10/8)

Comments

[Brad Alpert]

Suspended prison sentence? Five years probation? Boy, that'll discourage him, won't it?

Where's the "punishment" part of this felony conviction? What a joke.

This is disgusting and I hope this guy meets a fate as cruel as that which he inflicted on the cat he so maliciously killed.

[tomcat]

I agree with a lot of what Brad said in his post. I believe that criminologists have also shown a direct link with people that abuse animals and serial killers, so this guy may be the next Bundy. They should have given him some kind of time, and maybe some community service in the way of cleaning the kennels or cages (under watchful eyes of course) at an animal shelter or zoo. Most judges have about zero creativity when it comes to sentencing!

[Don]

That is no way to treat pussy!!!!!!!!!!

"Most judges have about zero creativity when it comes to sentencing!"

I don't know about this particular court, tomcat, but most states limit judicial discretion when it comes to sentencing. And judges who get creative in sentencing are often tripped up by the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

[Vibiana]

If the cat hadn't been declawed, it probably wouldn't be a biter. How did they expect it to defend itself after they ripped its paws up like that? Morons!