DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines man accused of animal torture and domestic abuse assault has been sentenced to prison.
On Friday, a Polk County judge sentenced Shawn Stanton to a maximum of three years in prison for one count of domestic abuse assault – second offense and one count of animal abuse.
In March, officers with the Des Moines Police Department responded to a 911 call from a woman reporting that her then-boyfriend, identified as Stanton, had assaulted her and broken her puppy’s leg.
Emaciated puppy found in Polk County ditch in critical condition, ARL says
By the time officers arrived at the victim’s home, Stanton had left with the puppy. The DMPD said at the time that it was believed that Stanton had dumped the puppy in a wooded area near the residence. As officers searched the area, they heard yelping and found the puppy under tree debris.
According to court records, the puppy, named Ember, had two broken bones in a front leg, a fractured jaw, injuries to her eye, and bruising and swelling. The injuries were noted as being consistent with repeated physical force, court records state. The puppy was placed in the ARL’s care…