Dog shot and beaten with sledgehammer Orleans, MI (US) Incident Date: Saturday, Sep 8, 2001 County: Ionia Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abusers/Suspects: » Thomas Cole » William Cole

Case ID: 4148 Classification: Beating, Shooting Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in MI (US) Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior Login to Watch this Case

It took the Ionia County jury 15 minutes to convict brothers Thomas and William Cole, 25 and 30 years old, of killing and torturing an animal. It is a felony crime punishable by up to four years in prison. The attack on Buddy took place on Sept 8.

The jury heard from a neighbor of the Coles that lived in the 8700 block of Lakeview Drive, he heard a gunshot and went outside to investigate.

The witness saw a dog lying in the yard and the neighbor called 911. He said then then saw 25-year old Thomas Cole come out of the home and begin hitting the dog with a sledge hammer. When 30-year old William Cole came out of the house he took his turn hitting the dog in the head with the sledge hammer.

The neighbor said the dog howled in pain throughout the beating, then was silent. Thomas Cole carried the dog behind the house.

Animal control officers arrived at the Cole house about 20 minutes after receiving the 911 call. The Cole brothers denied knowing anything about the incident. The officers found the dog buried in a grassy field about 50 yards from the house.

The brothers told officers the dead dog attacked one of their dogs. William Cole said he shot the dog as it was "coming at" him.

A veterinarian testified the dog was shot in the shoulder and the cause of death was numerous skull fractures that appeared on x-rays.

Terri Fries, owner of Buddy, said he was a family dog they had about two years. "He was a friendly dog who pretty much loved everybody." The brutality of the crime was shocking to her.

The assistant prosecutor, Ron Schafer, said he has never seen a crime against an animal this brutal.

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References

Grand Rapids MI Press - Jan 12, 2002

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