It's hard to conceive of anyone stabbing a dog repeatedly with a power drill and then drilling holes in its head.  But that is what Severino Cruz of Connecticut is accused of doing to Baby, his brother's dog.

Cruz claims Baby bit his son. His sons were playing with Baby's puppy which jumped on one of the children. The other child pulled the puppy away, and Baby, trying to protect her baby, bit the boy.

When Cruz learned of the incident, he went to his brother's house. Baby was apparently kept chained in a cage. Cruz who had armed himself with a power drill, dragged her to the side of the cage and proceeded to stab and then bore holes into the poor dog's head.

Baby was later euthanized and her puppy has been put up for adoption.  

The prosecutor has charged Cruz with felony animal cruelty under Conn. Stat. §53-247 for the malicious torture and injury to the dog. A charge of misdemeanor animal cruelty has been filed as well.  The felony charge carries a potential penalty of 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The misdemeanor charge is punishable by one year in jail and a fine of no more than $1000.

If Cruz is given probation, he could be ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and treatment and take an animal abuse prevention and education course. It is possible the court could order him to stay away from animals.

Cruz is out of jail on a $25,000 bond.

Senior Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Stephen Preleski is handling the case. Judge Joseph Doherty is presiding.

The next hearing is on April 30.

At that time Cruz through his attorney, Deron Freeman has said he will ask for special probation or accelerated rehabilitation because he is sorry. Freeman explained, "[Cruz] wants to get this behind him and get on with his life. He's a family man".

Incredible.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Don't let Cruz escape justice with some phony plea that he is sorry, that he is a "family man". Demand justice for Baby.  Before April 30 ask the prosecutor and judge for the maximum sentence - and a lifetime ban on owning or living with animals. Connecticut Rep. Diana Urban has written a letter to the judge, urging justice for Baby. Join her in this effort and write or call the officials below!

Senior Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Stephen Preleski

131 N. Main Street, Bristol, CT  06010

(860) 584-8564; Fax: (860) 584-1369

You can reach Judge Joseph Doherty at the same address and at these phone and fax numbers: 860-582-8111; fax: 860-585-8799

Kevin Kane, Chief State's Attorney

300 Corporate Place, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

(860) 258-5800; Fax: (860) 258-5858

E-Mail: conndcj@po.state.ct.us

Click here to sign the petition demanding justice for Baby.

Click here for more information about this case. http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/12959/CT/US/