CLEVELAND (WJW) — A 40-year-old Fairview Park man was sentenced Wednesday on a felony charge of animal cruelty.
Earlier this month, James Metz entered a guilty plea to a charge of prohibitions concerning companion animals, a cruelty to animals charge also known as Goddard’s Law, named after legendary FOX 8 Meteorologist Dick Goddard.
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Wednesday a Cuyahoga County court judge sentenced Metz to 30 days in jail, along with a $2,500 fine. He also received three years probation and is not allowed to own animals for 10 years.
Fairview Park Police arrested Metz in December. Police say he shot and killed his family pet, a 3-year-old Bernese Mountain dog named Ruby.
During the sentencing, Metz spoke to the court, saying he has sought therapy and is working to become a better man and father. He asked for forgiveness from his family and friends…