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CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #2257 Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Dog shot in the face 5 times with BB gun
Denver, CO (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Jun 11, 2002
County: Arapahoe
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 3 files available
Defendant/Suspect: Phillip Bjorkland
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
In June 2002, Bjorkland purchased a BB rifle as a present for his 6-year old son.
On June 11, 2002, Bjorkland shot his dog Spike in the face with the BB rifle. The shooting took place while his 6-year old son was watching. The son reported that his father shot the dog 5 times in the face. The dog, a Basenji, was estimated to be 12 to 13 years old and had been his (the defendant's) pet for most of his life. After he shot the dog in the face, the defendant removed the dog's collar and used the force of water sprayed from a hose to force the dog to leave the premises. He threatened to shoot the dog with a "real gun" if the dog returned.
When questioned by Agent Keith Davis, Cruelty Investigator with the (Denver) Dumb Friend's League, the defendant only admitted to shooting the dog in the butt with the BB rifle. He became very agitated and used profanity with Agent Davis.
It turns out that Spike had been to the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter. He was identified by the defendant's ex-wife. He was examined by a veterinarian. He was extremely underweight, had severe tooth and gum disease, was nearly blind and deaf and had two wounds on his muzzle and a bump on the top of his head consistent wit the report of him having been shot at with a BB rifle.
Sentence: (by stipulation due to trauma to child in event he had to testify)
He was sentenced on March 26, 2004 to 18 months at the County Jail suspended on the condition he successfully complete anger management treatment, drug and alcohol abuse treatment, monitored sobriety, $500 fine, $100 surcharge for the Animal Protection Fund, court costs and fees. No contact orders and visitation with his child will be determined by the divorce court overseeing the custody matter
The dog was treated by veterinary professionals at Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital and was turned over to Basenji rescue. He was adopted out to a loving family.
Case Updates| At the revocation hearing on July 29, 2004, after all sides were heard, the Judge revoked his probation and sentenced him to one year in the County Jail. Bjorkland asked for a stay of execution and the Judge refused to allow it. The judge specifically stated that the underlying act was quite cruel and expressed concern at the potential for negative effects on the child. | | Update posted on Aug 9, 2004 - 3:24PM |
References- Denver County Court Case #: 02M11314, Courtroom 186L
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