Puppy killer blames drugs for attack on dog

A Victoria man has pleaded guilty to beating his pit bull puppy to death, saying his abuse of alcohol and steroids caused him to "inexplicably explode" just before he killed the animal.

The plea came as protesters gathered outside the Victoria courthouse, demanding that defendant Brent Connors receive the six-month maximum sentence for the crime of wilfully causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Connors, 24, also pleaded guilty to breaching a court ordered condition not to consume drugs.

The three-month-old dog suffered ten broken ribs, other broken bones and a lacerated liver. A necropsy on the animal also found a human bite mark on its abdomen. The animal died from internal bleeding.

Connors told the court a combination of alcohol and steroids drove him to the violent state of mind that precipitated the attack at a Victoria motel Jan. 2.

In a statement read to the court, Connors said the drugs caused him "to inexplicably explode" and attack the dog.

Deterrent sentence sought

Other guests called police after hearing a dog crying out in pain; police found the puppy lying on a bed in the room.

A police search also found three types of steroids among Connors's possessions at the motel.

"Were hoping to see justice done," said protester Andy Thiese, who carried a sign saying "Justice 4 Bandit."

"We're hoping to see the maximum sentence."

The B.C. SPCA also is looking for a deterrent example to be set in Connors's case.

"There is no excuse for attacking and beating to death a small, defenceless puppy," said SPCA spokeswoman Penny Stone.

Connors's lawyer is requesting 45 days jail, with generous credit for time already served.

The Crown is seeking a three- to four-month sentence, 30 days for the breach of the court order and a 10-year ban on owning animals.

Connors will be sentenced Feb. 2.