Thursday, December 8, 2011

Canton, OH: Judge scolds, sentences man who killed girlfriend's puppy

CANTON — A Stark County judge had harsh words, and jail time, for a man who killed a puppy in anger.

Ronnie W. Postlethwait, 48, of 2731 10th St. SW, appeared Wednesday in Common Pleas Court for sentencing on charges of possession of cocaine, a felony, and misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Lee Sinclair said Postlethwait’s actions were inexcusable.

“I have no use for someone who kills a puppy,” the judge told him. “... It just fries my rear end to be honest with you.”

The judge sentenced Postlethwait to three months in jail, treatment in the Stark Regional Community Correction Center and two years of probation.

Had the cruelty charge been a felony, Postlethwait would have gone to prison, Sinclair said.

Postlethwait killed his girlfriend’s puppy on Aug. 11 during a fit of rage, according to jail records.

When officers arrived, following a call from the girlfriend, they found the dead dog in Postlethwait’s lap. Police also found crack cocaine and a pipe in the home, according to a police report.

Postlethwait pleaded guilty to the charges last month. He told the judge Wednesday that he was sorry and that drinking alcohol was a big part of the incident.

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