A 23-year-old man who worked at a dog grooming and daycare business admits beating a dog to death while it was in his care.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office said Jarrod Dillman of Buffalo pleaded guilty in State Supreme Court to one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony. He pleaded guilty to the highest charge.
Prosecutors said Dillman caused the death of a 3-year-old Havanese mix named Alessio in August at PawPrints by Penny in Buffalo.
Dillman admitted he used a leash to throw the dog against a wall and repeatedly kicked the dog while wearing boots. A necropsy showed the dog died of blunt force trauma. The Erie County SPCA was part of the investigating team.
Dillman faces up to two years in jail when he is sentenced in January. He remains free on $5,000 bond.
