A Marlow man who pleaded guilty to shooting two dogs will not serve jail time. On Tuesday, Comanche County District Judge Jay Walker sentenced Dennis James Shy, 69, to suspended sentences of five years on each animal cruelty count and 10 years on a firearm charge, plus $6,263.29 in fines, fees, and court costs. Shy entered a blind plea, leaving the punishment in the judge’s hands.
The case began when security video showed a man matching Shy’s description walking the property with a rifle and dragging a dog. One of the dogs, Alfie, survived but needed a leg amputated. The other, Pepper, was never found. Comanche County Sheriff’s deputies investigated.
The dogs’owner, Leonard Middleton, said he was disappointed after the sentencing:“He believes his dogs deserve justice, not a suspended sentence.”Suspended sentences mean Shy stays out of jail as long as he meets the conditions the court set. There’s no word on whether the ruling will be appealed. What do you think? Should animal cruelty cases like this one carry mandatory jail time in Oklahoma?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.