Lost Pet Dog 'Tosuni' Brutally Killed by Man in His 20s, Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison in Second Trial

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] A man in his 20s who brutally killed a dog with an owner was sentenced to prison again in the second trial.

The Criminal Appeals Division 1 of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Seong Ji-ho) on the 20th dismissed both the appeal by Jeong Mo (28), who was charged with violating the Animal Protection Act and property damage, and the prosecution's appeal, sentencing him to 8 months in prison, the same as the original sentence.

Jeong was arrested and prosecuted on charges of brutally killing and abandoning the body of 'Tosuni,' a dog that had lost its owner, in a residential area in Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of October 9 last year. During police investigation, Jeong stated that he committed the crime because he got angry when 'Tosuni' tried to escape from him and started barking when cornered. The deceased 'Tosuni' was found near the scene with severe head injuries.

In January, the first trial court sentenced Jeong to 8 months in prison, stating, "The method of the crime was very cruel, clearly showing a disregard for life, and the motive for the crime is highly blameworthy." Jeong appealed, claiming the sentence was too heavy, while the prosecution also appealed, arguing the sentence was too light.

The court ruled, "There has been no change in the sentencing conditions, and the demands for severe punishment from the victim and animal protection groups were appropriately reflected in the original sentence," adding, "It is reasonable to respect the first trial's sentencing as it does not exceed a rational range."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.