SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 NEWS) - A man accused of beating his ex-girlfriend's puppy was sentenced Friday morning to 0 to 5 years in prison. Anthony Spidle pleaded guilty to third degree felony cruelty to animals. He was the first to be charged and sentenced under Utah's new animal cruelty laws. On March 21, 2009 Spidle beat his ex-girlfriend's puppy while recording it all on voice mail. Instead of facing the prospect of going before a jury he took a plea deal. He entered a guilty plea to felony animal cruelty and one count of witness tampering. Spidle kicked, stomped, and beat a six-month old lab-mix named Gabriella with a skateboard.
His family says his actions are out of character, despite a history of domestic violence.
Gene Barierschmidt with the Humane Society of Utah says, “With the new torture animal cruelty code that's on the books right now that he'll be sentenced for a significant time and we hope that this case sets a president for future cases dealing with animal torture.”
The Animal Advocacy Alliance of Utah wanted the court to send a message loud and clear that this type of violence will not be tolerated in our state, and that Mr. Spidle should serve a long sentence, have in-patient mental health counseling, and have absolutely no contact with any animals until any imposed period of probation ends.
Animal advocates say this case shows the link between domestic violence and animal abuse.
Spidle faced a possible five years in prison and a 5-thousand dollar fine. Gabriella the puppy physically recovered but veterinarians say the dog will most likely be scarred for life.
The sentencing took place at the Matheson Courthouse before Judge William Barrett.
