Esteban Gonzales, 25, in a plea deal with the State Attorney in Palm Beach County was sentenced to two years in prison for third degree felony animal cruelty on Wednesday. The Jupiter, Fla. man killed his girlfriend's dog last year by slashing the dog's throat with a razor and subsequently smashed the puppy's head on the concrete sidewalk at his residence on Thelma Ave.
Gonzales and his pregnant girlfriend had spent the day at Lion County Safari, when later that afternoon a domestic quarrel began. Gonzales pushed his pregnant girlfriend as she tried to protect her dog. The dog died before Palm Beach Animal Care and Control could transport the dog for emergency treatment.
Samuel Miller, Assistant State Attorney stated this morning:
"We cherish and value all animal life in Palm Beach County. Today's case result is a shining example how our community feels about animal cruelty and how seriously the State Attorney's office takes these cases."
Miller was named one of America's Top Ten Animal Defenders in America in 2012 by the Animal Legal Defense Fund which honors enforcement, prosecutors and legislators who make a difference in the protection of animals. Miller prosecutes all of the county's animal abuse cases, and prides himself on being the voice for those who cannot speak.
Gonzales will be given credit for one year already served.
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