Ohio: Judge feels sorry for Collin Macaulay, who beat his pit bull puppy, and lowers his bond so he can go home for Christmas

OHIO -- The bond for a Cortland man accused of beating his 6-month-old pit bull puppy last month was reduced during his arraignment Thursday on felony charges, including one under the state’s newest animal cruelty law.

Collin J. Macaulay, 19, of Gates Street, pleaded not guilty before Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Peter J. Kontos.

Macaulay is charged with two counts of intimidation and one count of prohibitions concerning companion animals, violating what is commonly known as “Goddard’s Law.” If convicted, he could face a maximum of seven years in prison.

The case involved a report from Cortland police that Macaulay beat his female puppy and then threatened neighbors in his Gates Street apartment complex who called police to report the incident.

JUDGE PETER KONTOS IS NO FRIEND TO ANIMALS

Kontos reduced Macaulay’s bond from $155,000 to $50,000 and ordered him to have no contact with his neighbors. Macaulay’s attorney, Brendan Keating, said his client plans on no longer living at the Gates Street address, as his father is making plans to find him new living quarters.

Jail records show Macaulay, who has been in jail since Nov. 14, was still in custody Thursday evening.

The vet later found that the puppy suffered from blunt face trauma, causing dried blood in the ear canal, two fractured teeth, swelling on her muzzle, and possible sinus and optical socket fractures.

(Tribune Today - Dec 23, 2016)

Earlier:

• Ohio: Collin Macaulay, 19, arrested after neighbors heard him beating his puppy