NC: Judge gives man probation for killing pit bull

Judge gives man probation for killing dog
September 10, 2010 8:59 AM
Diane Turbyfill

A Gastonia man pleaded guilty Thursday to animal cruelty and assault on a woman.

Matthew Scott England, 25, mistreated two pit bulls and captured the attention of passers-by on Interstate 85 on April 18.

According to magistrate’s orders, England dragged a gray 1½-year-old pit bull named Smokey for at least half a mile by the collar and chain, then held the dog down on the street by the neck, choked it and beat it on the head with his fists.

Then England “threw the dog over his shoulder like a sack,” according to the order.

Smokey died as a result of that treatment.

According to another order, England dragged a black pit bull named Scarface for at least half a mile by the collar and rope and beat the dog. England also “tied the dog by a rope and collar over a porch rail, which caused the dog to be suspended in the air and choked the dog.”

A woman who observed the beating confronted England and got hit in the face in return.

England was charged with two counts of cruelty to animals and assault on a female. As part of the plea arrangement, one of the cruelty charges was dropped.

The second dog still lives with England.

Judge Beverly Beal ordered England to find a new home for the animal by Monday.

England was sentenced to 36 months probation. He will have a curfew, must complete community service and is forbidden from owning a dog until the end of his probation.

“I need you to understand that keeping animals is a responsibility,” said Beal.

England’s attorney said the animals got out of the yard and that his client was simply trying to retrieve them before they got run over on the interstate.

England stood before the judge with his hands clasped behind his back. He told Beal that while he pleaded guilty to the charges, he did not beat the animals.

“I’m sorry that it happened,” he said. “I don’t believe I killed the dog. I believe he was hit by a car.”

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