(Warning: graphic image below.)
It is of little justice that Terrence Cody, former NFL Ravens player, has been sentenced to nine months in jail after torturing his dog by starving him to death.
In January of 2015, Cody brought Taz, a brindle Canary Mastiff, who was barely breathing, to the vet. Photos uncovered of the dog show him locked in his cage, feces, urine, and vomit covering the enclosed area.
In the news clip below, Martha Smith Blackmore, a forensic veterinarian who testified in the trial, said the dog must have been starved for at least 4-6 weeks. Healthy Canary Mastiffs should weight around 100 pounds; on the day he passed, Taz weight about 50.
Cody’s attorney claimed that the starvation was accidental, and heart worms prevented the dog from being able to keep his food down. He also claimed that his client did not know how to care for a dog who had depression.
#NFL player Terrence Cody starved Taz to death. Sentencing is TBD. Please S&S! https://t.co/B4sdxnR9Ay #dogs pic.twitter.com/aMBrNXjl5i
— AnonChange (@AnonyChange) January 4, 2016
Cody couldn’t have been too naive though, because he and his girlfriend, also charged with neglect, have two other dogs who are of healthy weight and are very well cared for.
After his jail sentence, Cody faces 18 months of probation and will be receiving mental health treatment. He also cannot have any pets during this time.
Here is a news clip from the beginning of the trial:
Read more on The Baltimore Sun.
It is of little consolation that this abuse was recognized for its atrocity and the perpetrator received jail time. Do you think this sentence was enough?
(h/t: Dog Heirs)
Toledo, United States.
