Case Details

Iguana repeatedly thrown against floor, killing it
Hartford, WI (US)

Incident Date: Sunday, Mar 31, 1996
County: Washington
Local Map: available
Disposition: Convicted

Abuser/Suspect: Paul J. Olson

Case ID: 7284
Classification: Beating
Animal: captive exotic
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Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior
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Paul J. Olson, 25, was sentenced to 120 days in the Washington County Jail for killing his pet iguana named Slappy.

Olson was facing a felony charge in the death of his pet. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge before Washington County Circuit Judge Lawrence Waddick. Olson submitted a letter to the court from a counselor saying he suffers from an "intermittent explosive disorder."

Last April when Olson's fiancee told him Slappy had knocked a model car off an entertainment center. Olson was very angry that the car was broken. Olson grabbed the iguana by the tail and threw it on the floor. When the iguana ran away, he caught it and Slappy began swinging his tail in defense. Olson again slammed Slappy to the floor a second time causing the iguana to quiver and bleed. He then threw the iguana to the floor a third time killing it.

The police report said Olson just wanted to teach Slappy a lesson and that crawling on the entertainment center was wrong. Olson said he acted out of anger, did not realize how badly he had hurt Slappy and then decided to put the iguana out of its misery.

Holly Murphy, assistant district attorney, called the sentence significant for someone who did not have a criminal record.

Judge Waddick sentenced Olson to nine months in jail but stayed that term for two years of probation. Olson must serve 120 days in jail with work release privileges. Olson has been ordered to not own any animals and that he must make a $300 contribution to the Washington County Humane Society.

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References

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Mar 11, 1997

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