Creative sentencing for dog shooter

[ashling]

Man to Wear Pup Costume for Shooting Dog
From Associated Press
December 15, 2006 4:11 PM EST
PAINESVILLE, Ohio - A man who shot his Great Dane in the head is allowed to reduce his sentence by dressing up as a dog. Municipal Judge Michael Cicconetti, known for his creative sentences for low-level crimes, offered to cut Robert M. Clark's sentence Thursday to 10 days in jail if he wears a Safety Pup costume and visits the five elementary schools in Painesville, about 30 miles northeast of Cleveland.

The mascot educates children about issues ranging from traffic safety to drug abuse.

Clark, 38, who lives outside the city, pleaded no contest to an animal cruelty charge and was sentenced to 180 days in jail for shooting his dog Bill.


Clark is appealing the sentence, court officials said Friday.

*****

Other sentences by Cicconetti include making speeding motorists work as crossing guards and ordering a couple who vandalized a baby Jesus statue to lead a donkey through the city's streets.

[flvegan]

1. I could've been more creative.

But then, I have a Great Dane that I love dearly...

The animosity bleeds through.

[ashling]

4. When I was 16

(several years ago :eyes:) I worked at a vet clinic. I had to come in at 5:00 on Sunday morning to clean up and assist the doc in giving medications, etc. This involved holdin a dog or cat for a shot, or bloodwor, or giving a pill. There was this one great dane who was sooooo sweet. I had to put the pill down her throat, which meant ticking mar in past my wrist.

On another occession two yooung kids came in crying, carrying their English sheepdog. Somebody had shot it point blank with a shotgun. I stood in on the surgery. Thank God the doc saved that wonderful dog.

Yes, I could have been a lot more crative. :mad:

[gr8dane_daddy]

6. I agree...if someone harmed my Dane...

I'd be posting from prison. I don't like the labeling of it as "low-level".



I've known no sweeter breed.

[flvegan]

7. Good looking dog.

I knew I liked you when I saw your screen name.

My boy (slight mix, just had his left hind removed...bone cancer):


Had them all my life. None sweeter, I agree.

[petronius]

2. Sure, this is just the guy I want going around educating children..

:eyes:

[skygazer]

3. There's just so much to dislike about that article

First of all, the fact that shooting an innocent dog is considered a "low-level" crime rather sucks. Then the fact that his sentence gets reduced if he does this education thing that doesn't sound like it addresses anything to do with animal cruelty is just stupid. Ultimately it's saying that his punishment is to wear a silly suit. :banghead:

[ashling]

5. he had to pay the vet bills too

big friggin deal! This guy needed to spend a little time in jail as far as I'm concerned.

[haf216]

8. Do we know why the asshole shot the dog?

[hickman]

9. I'd kind of like to know too. n/t