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Muncie man gets probation for beating Yorkie puppy to death

Posted at 12:41 AM, Aug 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-10 00:41:09-04

MUNCIE, Ind. -- A Muncie man accused of beating a Yorkshire Terrier puppy to death won't spend any time in prison.

Jacob Rodgers, 26, was charged in September 2015 with animal cruelty for allegedly beating his roommate's puppy to death. Rodgers' roommate told police Rodgers had become angry when the puppy, named Cody, urinated on his bed.

"A few minutes later, he brings the dog into the living quarters and tried to resuscitate the dog. Unfortunately, he was unable to do that and he put the dog in a plastic bag and threw it inside the dumpster," Sgt. Chris Kirby said.

READ MORE | Muncie police: Man beat Yorkie puppy to death

Police found the dog's body in a dumpster in Rodgers' apartment complex and took it to the Muncie Animal Shelter. 

An examination showed the 8-month-old puppy died of a lacerated spleen and severe internal bleeding.

According to police, Rogers also admitted to trying to drown the dog.

"From the case reports that I read, it sounds like this beating went on for several minutes, up to thirty," Phil Peckinpaugh with the Muncie Animal Shelter said. "Completely despicable, one of the most senseless and cruel acts that we've seen around here."

On Tuesday, Rodgers was sentenced to 18 months' probation and 35 hours of community service.

Rodgers will also have to pay $183 in court costs, a public defender fee of $100 and a court-imposed fine of $1.