Plea deal sought in puppy torture

A West Valley man charged with assaulting his girlfriend and torturing her puppy on two separate occasions, has indicated he is willing to agree to a plea bargain that would bring a prison term.

Anthony Spidle, 21, was charged in March with badly beating his girlfriend's 6-month-old puppy by hitting the animal with a skateboard and a tennis racket, and throwing the puppy against a wall at least five times — while recording the actions on the woman's voice mail for her to hear.

Spidle waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday on one charge each of aggravated assault and cruelty to animals, both third-degree felonies. His next hearing is an arraignment May 7 before 3rd District Judge William Barrett.

Prosecutor Greg Ferbrache said plea negotiations are under way with Spidle's lawyer, and Spidle is expected to plead guilty to one third-degree felony count regarding mistreating the dog and another class A misdemeanor count of attempted aggravated assault in the attack on his girlfriend.

The plea has been discussed but has not been officially placed on record in the courts.

Ferbrache said Spidle's defense attorney, Michael Peterson, and prosecutors have agreed to recommend a prison term of zero-to-five years if the plea deal goes through.

Two roommates of Spidle's witnessed some of the violence with the dog, including Spidle jumping on the puppy's head, threatening to kill the puppy, cut the animal's head off and give it to the girlfriend, according to court documents.

A vet determined the animal was in critical condition with brain swelling, eye damage and a host of external and internal injuries.

The dog, which is a miniature yellow Lab and pit bull mix, is recovering.

Prosecutors in April again filed charges against Spidle, this time for beating up his girlfriend in May 2008. Court documents state that Spidle got into an argument with his mother, the girlfriend got involved and Spidle grabbed his girlfriend by the hair, pulled her to the ground, tried to choke her and then punched her in the face and head while she was trying to get away. Police investigating the situation noted bruises on both the mother and the girlfriend.

E-MAIL: lindat@desnews.com