Kitten crushed to death with TV set
Taunton, MA (US)Incident Date: Friday, May 27, 2005
County: Bristol
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Dennis G. Brigland
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A 45-year-old man is charged with animal cruelty in the death of a 6-week-old kitten, which was crushed when a TV set landed on top of it during an alleged domestic incident.
Dennis G. Brigland is charged with killing the kitten and assaulting his girlfriend.
"He picked up a big huge TV and tossed it on the kitten," said Sgt. Honorato Santos.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Animal Control Officer Manuel Massa, who responded to the scene.
Massa said the kitten was domestic short-haired tiger mix.
Brigland was arraigned in Taunton District Court on charges of assault and battery and animal cruelty.
Judge Kevan J. Cunningham ordered him held at the Bristol County House of Correction in lieu or $5,000 cash bail or $50,000 surety. The cases were continued to June 2.
If convicted of the animal cruelty charge, Brigland could be sentenced up to 5 years in state prison, or up to 21/2 years in a county jail and/or fined up to $2,500.
Animal cruelty, as defined in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 277, Section 77, became a felony on Nov. 17. Prior to that, animal cruelty had been a misdemeanor.
According to the Massachusetts Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there is a direct link between animal cruelty, domestic violence and other crimes.
Court records show that Brigham has other criminal cases pending.
He was arraigned at Taunton District Court on March 28 on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The cases were continued to June 28.
He was arraigned at Taunton District Court on Oct. 12 on a charge of assault and battery. The case is being continued to June 2.
Brigland was arraigned at Taunton District Court on Dec. 9, 2002, on charges of assault and battery, assault and battery on a public employee and resisting arrest. The cases are being continued to June 2.
Brigland was also arraigned at Taunton District Court on Jan. 7, 2002, on a charge of assault and battery. The case is being continued to June 2.
Case UpdatesThe girlfriend of Brigland, alleged to have crushed a 6-week-old kitten with a television stated her cat's death was accidental in behalf of Brigland.
Dennis G. Brigland was charged with animal cruelty and assault and battery.
His girlfriend stated he was drunk and didn't know the kitten was there.
Brigland is being held at the Dartmouth House of Correction on $5,000 bail. He is due to appear in Taunton District Court Thursday. | Source: Enterprise.com - May 28, 2005
Update posted on Jun 2, 2005 - 10:17PM |
References- Enterprise.com - May 27, 2005
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