Chihuahua beaten with 2x2 board
Columbia, SC (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Feb 23, 2000
County: Richland

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Patrick Etheridge

A Columbia man was arrested Monday after being accused of beating a Chihuahua with a board.

The dog, 2-year old Johnny, has recovered but suffered serious brain damage, said Steven Stephenson of the Humane Society of the Midlands.

Patrick Etheridge, 28, of 148 Charmont Drive, was jailed on a charge of ill treatment of an animal, according to the Humane Society, which investigated the case.

The dog was beaten near its owners' home on Feb 23, Stephenson said. Witnesses said Etheridge hit the six-pound dog with a 2x2 board, Stephenson said. The dog now has trouble walking and seeing, he said.

Etheridge denies beating the dog and says he was trying to scare it away, Stephenson said.

The maximum penalty for animal cruelty currently is a $5,000 fine and up to two years in jail.

Etheridge is being held on $5,000 bond.

References

• The State, Columbia SC - March 9, 2000

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