Judge gets ovation for dogfighting sentence
An Ohio judge who called a man convicted of dogfighting “a monster” and sentenced him to six months in jail received a standing ovation Tuesday from a courtroom packed with animal welfare activists.
Judge Kathleen Ann Sutula sentenced Collin Rand Jr., 33, to six months in jail, five years community control, and more than $12,000 in fines, restitution and court costs, according to News Channel 5.
Additionally, the Cuyahoga County judge ordered that he never be allowed to own a dog again.
If Rand violates the sentence, the judge said she would send him to prison for more than 12 years.
“If I had the freedom and the discretion, you’d be serving a lot longer sentence, Mr. Rand. Much, much longer. In fact, probably like 27 years — a year for each dog,” the judge said.
Rand, as part of a plea agreement, pleaded guilty to six counts of dogfighting, four counts of cruelty to animals, one count of drug trafficking and one count of carrying a concealed weapon.
The activists applauded the judge, who sentenced Rand to the maximum amount allowed under current law. (House Bill 108 would make animal abuse a felony in Ohio and allow lengthier sentences.)
Activists in the crowd wore T-shirts with the phrase “Hope for the 27,” a reference to the number of dogs found tied up at Rand’s home on Dec. 22, 2011. The dogs were malnourished and had open wounds and scars. Officers also found a fighting ring and a treadmill with plywood sides to contain the dogs.
According to testimony, some of the dogs had spent their entire lives enclosed in small cages. Some needed immediate medical care and some had to be euthanized.
Rand had claimed the dogs were in bad condition when he found them, and that he was trying to find them new homes.
“I find your explanations and your statements to be totally incredible,” said Judge Sutula, who has a rescued dog. “They are not worthy of belief. No one with a heart could look at these animals and not get help … You are a monster, Mr. Rand.”
Posted by jwoestendiek August 16th, 2012 under Muttsblog, videos.
Tags: animals, case, collin rand jr, county, cuyahoga, dogfighting, dogs, guilty, hb 108, hope for the 27, judge, kathleen ann sutula, law, maximum, monster, ohio, ovation, pets, plea, sentence, standing, video
Comments
Comment from PetPalSC
Time August 16, 2012 at 10:29 am
God bless this Judge! I wish there were many, many more like her! <3
Comment from WIlliam Cash
Time August 16, 2012 at 10:38 am
I have tears, hell with my man card! I hope that piece of trash violates his court-ordered punishment and get sent away for the 12 years he sorely deserves! This is a HUGE step in the right direction!
Comment from Bob Henning
Time August 16, 2012 at 11:01 am
I hope this message gets passed on to Judge Sutula. You ROCK! I own rescues,too and you get 2 thumbs up from me!
Comment from Priscilla Wille
Time August 16, 2012 at 11:20 am
I wish Judge Sutula would offer to speak to other judges,across the country. It might really do some good and save a lot of animals headed for this kind of Hell. Figures it would take a courageous female to be strong enough,compassionate and knowledgeable of the horrors of dog fighting and that this cruelty does not stop with animals. Animal abusers do not stop with animals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Comment from nathalie
Time August 16, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Les choses avancent,et les mentalités changent,Bravo a ce juge.
Comment from Goose
Time August 16, 2012 at 3:54 pm
We definitely need more people like her speaking out about dog fighting and the ramifications of doing so! Hopefully the legal system will soon follow her ideology and impart harsher sentences!
Comment from Activist
Time August 16, 2012 at 7:53 pm
These heartless judges who think it’s a waste of time in their court rooms need to be removed. They are no help to society! They need to be looking at this judge and her empathetic service! My town needs to stand up for animal rights and stop this damn good ole boy bullsh*T!
Comment from Jeannie
Time November 9, 2012 at 8:45 pm
I wish Judge Sutula would of sentenced Michael Vick. Then maybe he would of gotten what he deserved instead of a slap on the hand!!! Great work Judge.
Comment from Linda Heath
Time November 9, 2012 at 8:49 pm
God Bless you judge. I am so glad to find a judge with a heart for animals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Comment from annie bode
Time November 10, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Bless this compassionate judge.
Comment from Beth
Time April 12, 2013 at 8:32 pm
Not surprising it’s a woman judge.
Comment from Jill
Time August 16, 2012 at 10:27 am
What a wonderful judge! I wish more judges were like her!!