A man from Whitinsville, Massachusetts who buried a 17-year-old dog alive because it didn’t get along with his cat, has been sentenced to prison. Richard Piquard pleaded guilty to animal cruelty after burying the ShihTzu named Chico.
According to the Telegram & Gazette, Piquard, 25, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in the Worcester County House of Correction and will serve 90 days in prison before being released on supervised probation for the rest of his sentence. He must also pay restitution of $1,113.68 for the dog’s medical expenses, must complete an intensive substance abuse program, undergo mental health evaluation and not own or keep any animals.
Piquard had been caring for Chico, because his ex-girlfriend was not allowed to keep the dog at her apartment. He had kept Chico for 18 months and claims that he tried to get his ex to take the dog back, but she was unable to find the dog a new home, reported PEOPLE.
Piquard also claims that he thought that the dog was dead when he dug a hole in the ground and buried him. When the elderly dog was dug up, he was still breathing but unresponsive. The fiance found the dog buried about 3 feet deep in woods behind Mr. Piquard’s home.
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The dog was taken to a veterinarian, but ultimately had to be euthanized.
Rest in peace little one.
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Here we go again. He will actually serve 90 days of a 2 1/2 year sentence for the murder of a defenseless dog. This sentence is a joke. When will judges begin to take animal abuse seriously and start handing down meaningful sentences. The sentence was fine, but the portion suspended is outrageous. This guy should be buried up to his neck in an anthill and have honey poured over his head to attract all manner of creatures. About a week ought to do it.
He should have got life, he will kill again and the next time could easily be a child who gets in the way. I hope those in prison know EXACTLY what he did.
Just a slap on the wrist! Tragic!
He should have had to serve every bit of that 2 1/2 year sentence! Plea deals allowing time off for what’s actually a violent and vicious crime shouldn’t be acceptable to anyone under any circumstances!
He looks too much like my own dog. Don’t ever let me near him.