Jan 31, 2012 1:12 PM
A Montauk man who was caught on camera beating a puppy in June pleaded guilty to animal cruelty on Thursday and will not serve jail time.
Daniel Vargas, 26, was arrested by Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals officers after he was caught on a surveillance camera beating his six-month-old treeing cur puppy, James, in the boatyard at Uihlein’s Marina.
After Mr. Vargas pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, in East Hampton Town Justice Court, Justice Lisa Rana sentenced him to 280 hours of community service, according to Bob Clifford, spokesman for Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota. He will also serve three years of probation.
Mr. Vargas faced a maximum sentence of one year in jail. Prosecutors downgraded the charge from aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, because... more
Daniel Vargas, 26, was arrested by Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals officers after he was caught on a surveillance camera beating his six-month-old treeing cur puppy, James, in the boatyard at Uihlein’s Marina.
After Mr. Vargas pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, in East Hampton Town Justice Court, Justice Lisa Rana sentenced him to 280 hours of community service, according to Bob Clifford, spokesman for Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota. He will also serve three years of probation.
Mr. Vargas faced a maximum sentence of one year in jail. Prosecutors downgraded the charge from aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, because... more
