Dog’s Owner Pleads Guilty to Felony Cruelty Count
A Glendale man who was arrested June 30 after neighbors saw him beat his 8-month-old cocker spaniel on the balcony of his apartment pleaded guilty Friday to one felony count of cruelty to animals.
Brendan Sheen, 26, entered the plea after Pasadena Superior Court Judge Terry Smerling said he would sentence him to no more than 45 days in jail, plus probation. The maximum penalty was three years in state prison.
The case attracted wide attention from animal advocates, who pressed for full prosecution and donated more than $10,000 to the Doris Day Pet Foundation for care of the dog, named Baby. Many people offered to adopt the dog, but Baby’s future will not be decided until the Nov. 20 sentencing of Sheen, who has asked to keep the animal, court officials said. The dog is recuperating at a Sylmar pet hospital.
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