Judge sentences man in animal abuse case in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – The Columbus man accused of trapping and stomping his wife’s dog faced a judge.

27-year-old Charles van Pelt learned his fate after pleading guilty to aggravated animal cruelty.

Pelt faced a maximum of five years in prison for the felony offense that left the dog critically injured. The dog was put down the following day.

In a negotiated plea, Pelt was sentenced to five years in prison, three to be served, and the rest on probation.

The judge also ordered him to pay a $1,000 fine, over $700 to his wife for vet bills and to do 1,000 hours of community service.