Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
The final chapter has finally been written in the infamous Los Angeles County puppy beating case.
On November 3, 2008, Jeff and Shelley Toole’s 6 month old German shepherd mix, Karley, got loose and ran into yard of LA County Assistant Chief Glynn Johnson. Chief Johnson said he was bringing the puppy home when it bit him on his hand. However, a neighbor said he saw Johnson strike the dog and then beat it repeatedly with a rock. Karley was so badly injured that she had to be euthanized. Chief Johnson said he was simply trying to make the dog let go of his hand.
Chief Johnson was charged with felony animal cruelty, and placed on administrative leave. He retired from the department prior to the trial. At trial in January, 2010 he was convicted by a jury of animal cruelty, sentenced to 90 days in jail, and ordered to pay Karley’s vet bills.
The Tooles filed suit against Chief Johnson for $250,000 alleging he intentionally let Karley out of their yard. The Chief counterclaimed for permanent injuries to his hand, including a fracture. He later filed a separate suit alleging defamation.
According to PE.com the cases have been settled on undisclosed terms, and both suits have been dismissed. A reporter was able to reach Mr. Toole who acknowledged the matter had been settled, but is quoted as saying “There are two ways to punish someone: One is criminally and the other is civilly… We think he deserved the maximum punishment.”
For more on the story. The link includes a podcast on the case.
