I recently read a disturbing case regarding an Anchorage man that was sentenced to eight years in prison for killing his grandfather's dog as a punishment to his family. It was reported that prosecutors said the man told relatives he shot the dog to punish them for caring more about the animal than they did about him.

This concerns me because Dr. Randall Lockwood, ASPCA expert in the anti-cruelty group, said there is documentation linking animal abuse and violence against people. The ASPCA acknowledges that intentional animal abuse is often seen in association with other serious crimes, including drug offenses, gang activity, weapons violations, sexual assault and domestic violence.

Unfortunately, the dog became a silent victim who suffered a painful death. I’m grateful that the Anchorage Superior Court system did not take this case lightly and sentenced the man to four years for being a felon in possession of a firearm, three years for vandalism and evidence tampering and one year for animal cruelty.

Be sure to report any sign of animal abuse to the appropriate agency so that they can investigate animal cruelty. Animals cannot speak for themselves…stand up for them and be their voice.

Emily Brand/ASPCA