Score One For the Dogs

A Massachusetts man who abused his dog so viciously that the animal had to be put down will serve eight to 10 years in prison for his offense, followed by a two-year probation upon his release. He also is never allowed to own a dog again.

The one-year-old dog, who came to be known as Puppy Doe and gained the attention of animal activists across the country, had been found in the town of Quincy with fractures, a stab wound, and a split tongue. She was also bloodied and starving.

The sentence is one of the toughest ever for animal cruelty and hopefully will serve as a deterrent to others who abuse dogs.