Puppy beaten to death North Charleston, SC (US) Incident Date: Friday, Mar 31, 2000 County: Charleston Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abusers/Suspects: » Jody J. Rymer » David Alan Cox

Case ID: 919 Classification: Beating Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in SC (US) Drugs or alcohol involved Login to Watch this Case

A 21-year-old North Charleston man who pleaded guilty Thursday to killing his puppy in April 2000 by repeatedly slamming its head on the ground received one of the stiffest penalties ever in a Lowcountry animal abuse case.

Circuit Judge Deadra Jefferson gave Jody J. Rymer the maximum sentence of five years in prison, suspended to 30 months in prison, three years' probation and a $2,000 fine.  Rymer had previously said that the dog deserved to die because it had chewed through his stereo speaker wires. Before he was sentenced, Rymer told Jefferson he had no explanation for why he killed the German shepherd-mix puppy. "I loved that dog, and I am taking steps to get my life back on track," he said.

Rymer was charged with breaking the puppy's neck by holding it by its hind legs, swinging it over his head and slamming it to the ground head first, prosecutors said. Since his arrest, Rymer has enrolled in alcohol abuse and anger management classes, his attorney, James Smiley, told Jefferson. Rymer was immature at the time and didn't deserve to own the animal, the attorney said.

Jefferson said although she was pleased Rymer voluntarily sought counseling, her "heart is heavy" because it took the death of a dog for him to seek help.

"I think Judge Jefferson gave a very fair sentence that will be a deterrent (to potential animal abusers)," said Assistant Solicitor Mike Bosnak, who sought the maximum penalty. Bosnak said the solicitor's office received 433 letters from people around the country who were shocked by the dog's death. "We should send a message that people can't do this kind of thing to poor defenseless animals."

When Jefferson announced her verdict, some people among the roughly 20 animal-rights advocates seated in the courtroom cheered, prompting Jefferson to call for order.

"This is a brand new day in Charleston County," said Dr. Robert Carlson, executive director of the John Ancrum SPCA. "The judge's sentence sends a message that we aren't going to tolerate (animal) abuse."

Jefferson's sentence is precedent-setting, said Kay Hyman, an SPCA spokeswoman. "For years, animal abusers have been given slaps on the wrist," she said.

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