Teen who beat dog sentenced

A judge has sentenced a 17-year-old boy who, along with another 17-year-old, severely beat a dog last year while trying to burglarize a Riverton family's home.

Third District Judge Christine Decker on Thursday put the boy on probation after he pleaded guilty to burglary and cruelty to animals, both third-degree felonies; and criminal trespass, failure to stop at a police officer's command and possession of drug paraphernalia, all class B misdemeanors.

Decker will permit the teen to live with his mother rather than be incarcerated.

However, the teen is required to undergo individual and family counseling, get assessments for alcohol and drug abuse and comply with any treatment requirements, and not leave Utah unless he gets permission from authorities.

If he fails to comply with the probation requirements, he will be sent to a juvenile work camp. The judge will review his status on June 16.

The case involves Ranger, a 13-pound Cockapoo, who was hit at least twice with a bat once he began barking when the two intruders entered the house and began grabbing property while the family was gone. The dog suffered a fractured skull and was found in a pool of blood when the family returned. Ranger has since received veterinary care and has recovered reasonably well. Ranger's medical bills ended up costing more than $1,000.

The second teen pleaded guilty in October, and he also was put on probation with orders from the judge to do such things as pay restitution, get counseling and comply with a variety of other probation requirements.

That youth pleaded guilty to burglary, theft and cruelty to animals, all third-degree felonies, and criminal trespass, a class B misdemeanor.

E-MAIL: lindat@desnews.com