Bronx man, Dwayne Gentles, convicted of beating 4-month-old puppy so badly it needed to be euthanized

NEW YORK -- Prosecutors say a New York City man has been convicted of beating his 4-month-old puppy so badly that she couldn't eat or walk.

Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson says jurors deliberated just 15 minutes before convicting Dwayne Gentles on Friday of a misdemeanor charge of injuring an animal, while acquitting him of felony aggravated animal cruelty charges.

 

The 29-year-old Gentles' lawyer hasn't immediately returned an email Friday evening seeking comment on the verdict.

Johnson's office says the pit bull, named Brandy, suffered 13 broken ribs, a jaw fracture that prevented her from eating, and two broken legs during her short life.

Prosecutors say the emaciated, flea-ridden dog was barely conscious when Gentles brought her to a veterinarian in December 2012.

On doctors' advice, the dog was euthanized.

(NBC New York - July 31, 2015)