PENNSYLVANIA -- A Washington man accused of cutting the throat of a dog in Washington’s West End after it bit his girlfriend was sentenced to 1 year less 1 day to 2 years less 2 days in jail.
James M. Elliott, 50, of 430-1/2 W. Chestnut St., pleaded guilty Feb. 17 to two counts of cruelty to animals before Washington County Judge Gary Gilman.
Elliott was accused of cutting the throat of Tippy, a 5-year-old, mixed-breed male dog Dec. 20, 2013.
Elliott was living in the home of Tippy’s owner, Connie Stewart, at 135 Brookside Ave. Stewart’s son, Robert Stewart III, told humane office Cathy Cunningham the dog bit Elliott’s girlfriend, Penny Curry, after she tripped over a gate and startled the animal.
The dog was placed in a first-floor bathroom after he bit Curry, and Elliott entered the bathroom with a knife.
Robert Stewart said he attempted to enter the bathroom, but Elliott blocked the door.
Elliott stabbed the dog in the throat before slicing the animal’s throat, severing the carotid artery and jugular vein. The dog bled to death.
Connie Stewart told Cunningham she returned home to find her dog dead, and the bathroom floor, walls and tub covered in blood. Elliott was gone.
In addition to the jail sentence, Gilman placed Elliott on 90 days of probation. He is not to have contact with Connie Stewart and must complete anger-management counseling. Elliott also must undergo a mental health evaluation and follow any recommendations.
Elliott is free on a recognizance bond. He must report March 17 to Washington County jail to begin his sentence.
(Observer Reporter - March 6, 2015)
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