In Arlington, Texas, the man who tortured an 11-week-old German shepherd puppy, was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday. Deric Berquist was seen on video beating, punching, choking and slamming the small puppy.
Berquist was punishing the three-month-old puppy for defecating in her kennel. It was the man’s live in girlfriend who reported him and his abuse to the puppy, to the police.
According to CbsNews, neighbors heard the puppy named Nikki screech out in pain until she finally went unconscious.
“That kind of man that can prey on small animals is a different kind of evil. The level of torture shown in this video is the kind of thing people don’t want to believe really happens,” stated David Alex, the prosecutor for Tarrant County.
The usual punishment for animal cruelty ranges from 180 days to two years in jail, however this case, because of the degree of torture inflicted upon Nikki, involved giving the jury the option to sentence Berquist to five years in prison.
Berquist has a history of animal abuse back to his childhood when he lit a squirrel on fire. He also has a history of violence towards former girlfriends.
“Monsters are real, and he is sitting right there,” prosecutors added in their closing statements asking the jury to also think about protecting our community.
The puppy survived the extreme cruelty inflicted upon her by Berquist and suffered broken bones. She has since recovered and has been adopted.
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Final good-bye
This makes my dogs break into song!
Omfg!! Yes, this a true monster!!! I can’t even phathom doing such a evil act to a puppy!! I cried when I read the details of his actions!! I’m so glad to hear they did prosecute him to 5 yrs! It really should have been for life! And then he could b put on death row in my opinion! Thank you God, for letting this poor pup survive! And also find a nice home!
AND DEMONS FROM HELL AMONG US ARE REAL!
Thank you, now throw away the key!
That’s more like it, but after 5 years he will be back on the streets hurting animals and girl friends again! These abusers will never stop, and I wish there was someway to put them away for life!