CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) - An 18-year-old Ventura County man accused of dousing his family's dog with lighter fluid and setting it on fire in a ravine near their home has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.
The Ventura County Star reports (http://bit.ly/YA0Kug) the sentence angered animal rights activists who wanted Andrew Delgado to get three years behind bars.
Superior Court Judge Bruce Young said he had to consider other factors such as age and criminal history. Young pointed out that Delgado took responsibility for his crime early in the proceedings.
In January, Delgado pleaded no contest to animal cruelty and arson of property.
Delgado didn't say why he burned the 3-year-old basset hound named Buddy, but said he was under the influence of drugs when it happened. The dog died of its burns.
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Information from: Ventura County Star
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