Post by CampWhippet on Nov 12, 2005 11:26:07 GMT -5
Man who caused injury to dog tail gets probation
DANIEL TEPFER dtepfer@ctpost.com
BRIDGEPORT — A city man accused of ripping off the tail of a greyhound at the Shoreline Star dog track last week applied Tuesday for a special probation program.
Shawn Smith, 19, of Hallet Street, charged with cruelty to animals and rigging a race, filed an application in Superior Court for accelerated rehabilitation. The case was continued to Nov. 22.
Under accelerated rehabilitation, a program for first-time, nonviolent offenders, a defendant doesn't plead guilty to the crime, but is placed on up to two years probation. If he commits no other crimes during that period, the original charges are dismissed.
Assistant State's Attorney Pamela Esposito, who said her office is investigating the case, declined further comment.
Smith, who worked at the dog track leading the racing dogs to the track, was arrested Oct. 25 after police said that on Sept. 6 he tied the tail of one of the dogs, Silent Stalker, to the cage with a piece of fishing line. When the race started, the dog ran from the cage, leaving behind a piece of its tail.
The incident sparked outrage among animal-advocacy groups, which urged the Bridgeport State's Attorney Office to vigorously prosecute
DANIEL TEPFER dtepfer@ctpost.com
BRIDGEPORT — A city man accused of ripping off the tail of a greyhound at the Shoreline Star dog track last week applied Tuesday for a special probation program.
Shawn Smith, 19, of Hallet Street, charged with cruelty to animals and rigging a race, filed an application in Superior Court for accelerated rehabilitation. The case was continued to Nov. 22.
Under accelerated rehabilitation, a program for first-time, nonviolent offenders, a defendant doesn't plead guilty to the crime, but is placed on up to two years probation. If he commits no other crimes during that period, the original charges are dismissed.
Assistant State's Attorney Pamela Esposito, who said her office is investigating the case, declined further comment.
Smith, who worked at the dog track leading the racing dogs to the track, was arrested Oct. 25 after police said that on Sept. 6 he tied the tail of one of the dogs, Silent Stalker, to the cage with a piece of fishing line. When the race started, the dog ran from the cage, leaving behind a piece of its tail.
The incident sparked outrage among animal-advocacy groups, which urged the Bridgeport State's Attorney Office to vigorously prosecute
