Man who crushed his dog's skull with sledgehammer pleads guilty

MINNESOTA -- A Savage man who hit his dog with a sledgehammer this summer pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges Wednesday.

He is expected to be sentenced Dec. 3.

Rudolph William Poppe, 71, hit the golden retriever more than 12 times in the head -- in full view of his neighbors -- in June, according to the criminal complaint. He told a neighbor attempting to intervene that he was going to "put the dog out of its misery," the complaint said.

Poppe pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty and a gross-misdemeanor count of obstructing the legal process, according to Scott County officials. Another animal cruelty charge and disorderly conduct charge were dismissed.

Neighbors were screaming and crying by the time police arrived, according to the complaint. Poppe then put a plastic bag over the dog's head in an effort to suffocate it, the complaint said. When police tried to arrest him, Poppe resisted.

The dog, still trying to stand when police arrived, was later euthanized at a veterinary clinic, according to court documents.

Poppe spent nearly 30 days in jail after his arrest in July. He is now free on bail, authorities said.

(Twin Cities - Nov 1, 2013)

Earlier:

• Man Tried To Kill Dog With Sledgehammer In Savage