[News] Crawford finally found guilty in kicking death of Yorkie, Gizmo

[ARCHIE]

I remember the story well.
I am very dissapointed in the decision. His butt belongs behind bars.
Once again people do not take animal cruelty serious enough.

How can a person kick a dog like a football and the jury say
there's not enough evidence to prove it intentional. Kicking
the dog in the first place is intentional! I think he got away
with murder thanks to the jury.

[PennysMum]

I have heard tell that people in prison for animal cruelty generally get treated really badly by the rest of the prison population, much like people who are rapists or child molestors. I'm sure the creep will get what is coming to him one way or other.

I really wish that all states would make animal cruelty a felony. Especially when one considers how often it is linked to later or concurrent spousal abuse, child abuse, and other types of abusive behavior, there is absolutely no reason why it should be taken so lightly in so many cases.

[drawlins27]

The reason why the jury could not make a decision on the charge of intentional killing of an animal, was due to the way the law is written.

At the time of Gizmo's death (2004) animals were considered a possession and their value had to be estimated in order to determine if the crime was a felony or misdemeanor. It wasn't a question of whether or not he was guilty, everyone believed he was guilty of the charge. However, in order to convict him of this charge, they had to agree on the monetary value of Gizmo which they could not do. Possible values discussed were between $1500 and priceless but they could not agree on the exact monetary value.

IMO, this requirement was ridiculous because you cannot put a value on a life. Since the jury was deadlocked, I wonder if they can retry him on the charge of intentional killing of an animal.

The judge in this case is being heavily pressured by the public to give him the maximum sentence but he could get away with probation only. He will be sentenced on Nov. 30 I think. If he spends any time in jail, he will most likely be put in solitary confinement as he will never make it out of prison alive. There have already been several death threats against him.

But at least Gizmo did not die in vain. This case finally got people mad enough to push for change and helped make aggravated cruelty to an animal a felony instead of a misdemeanor in TN. This case also facilitated the creation of a bill to create an animal abuse registry which would list the name of anybody convicted of animal abuse and would be put on the internet for the public to view.

[ayn]

Thanks for the explanation, it makes me sick that anyone would hurt an animal, let alone a 2-lb little yorkie!!

[red98vett]

hey all - I haven't been here in a while (job seeking and interviewing) but that is THE BEST NEWS !

I remember way back when that happened and I'm so glad he was prosecuted ....even thought he got off easy - it does send a message. The law should go after intentional animal abuse just like they do with humans - murder is murder

Rest in Peace Gizmo - you were never forgotten

[yorkieusa]

I remember this very well. I'm betting that when he is sentenced, he will be sentenced to probation only. The jerk!!!!

[donatella80]

Originally Posted by Akhong

This person is absolutely disgusting.

I'm not very knowledgeable with US law, but it sounds like they were trying to push for a criminal sentence (?). I'm wondering if Gizmo's owner could sue him through civil court...the judge wouldn't be able to give jail time..but perhaps punitive damages would be awarded to the owners. Maybe that would teach him a lesson.

There's a civil suit scheduled as well--I believe it's to take place in the spring of next year.

[stedmansmommy]

This is just terrible. I remember this story very, very clearly as it really upset me so much the first time when I read it

I am SICK at my stomach that this sorry excuse for a human being didn't get thrown in the slammer for longer (he should of!!!!! ) but at least now the law has been changed. Just wish it would have been that way BEFORE they sentenced him

R.I.P. Little Gizmo..

[mattymac]

i am seriously crying right now. I don't understand how people can be so heartless and cruel. 11 months is nothing..he should be in jail for the rest of his life.

[TurtleDove]

I've never heard of this story until now and just finished reading the article. Ugh, I am so sad and disgusted at the same time. This has to be one of the worst ways for a dog to go. The article even stated that they were bragging that they killed him!!!! That man deserves every single amount of prison time, plus more, that he was sentenced to. I hope the other 2 involved will be charged as well.

[Cathi]

in jail. People like him should be lock up and never released. There is no excuse for this crime.

[Yorkiesforever]

OH poor gizmo that is just awful I hate reading stories like that... I hope all 3 of the guys get what they deserve

[rrosenberry]

I agree the way the laws are written sucks.
But hopefully with things like this..that will change and people will take notice..I hope.
It always amazes me how the public goes crazy when articles and things like this are heard.. yet they seem to forget about it.

We have had cases here.. and I get so mad when they end up with a slap on he wrist and all the people that were outraged in the beginning let it go.

We need to get the laws changed.. they are not..a possessions like a car or .. something. Heck in this town if you damage city property even on accident like a sign or a street light you end up getting more of a fine than animal abuse. It's crazy and it makes me

[vicky lynn]

I read the story about Gizmo and it made me so sad I cried. I hope the guy gets all he deserves and the laws should be tougher on these people.
Maybe he could also do community service cleaning up horse maneur for months???
I went home and kissed my Yorkie and hope everyone else did too.

[Lexi Rae]

i cant even respond because it really wouldnt be a good thing..
son of a bitch