Two years ain't enough

[George K]

https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/cedar-rapids-man-sentenced-to-2-years-for-abuse-of-puppy/

Jan Erceg, who works for a Cedar Rapids animal rescue nonprofit, on Thursday recalled the day she received a call about a severely injured, 12-week-old golden retriever puppy.

Erceg, in a victim impact statement, said the actions of this “single violent act” that Jayden Cliff took against Kimble has stayed in her head for the last 50 days.

During Cliff’s sentencing on an animal abuse charge, Erceg, founder and medical coordinator of Critter Crusaders, said she had “glimmers of hope” for Cliff because he contacted a woman to get help for Kimble after he threw the puppy against the wall and kicked it on April 1.

“I firmly believe that Jayden Cliff was horrified by his own actions,” Erceg said.

Cliff, 22, of Cedar Rapids, told the judge he was remorseful. He apologized and took responsibility for his actions.

Sixth Judicial Associate District Judge Angie Johnston sentenced Cliff to the maximum prison term of two years for the aggravated misdemeanor.

After sentencing, Assistant Linn County Attorney Jennifer Erger, said the abuse was a “horrendous” case and she was glad it received attention from the public. She said she pushed for a prison term and wasn’t willing to offer a plea deal for a lesser sentence.

“I received so many emails and letters about this case,” Erger said. “I wanted people to know I was taking this seriously. I hope it will be a deterrent for others.”

Police said Cliff grabbed the puppy by the scruff of the neck and threw it against the wall for defecating on the bed and then kicked it when it continued to defecate on the floor.

[brenda]

@george-k I've read many times that when kids abuse animals they very often graduate to similar actions against people. He's not a kid, but I wonder where this guy's behavior is headed.