JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WKBW) — Robert S. Overton, Jr. of Jamestown, N.Y. was sentenced on Monday after being convicted of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Overton will serve one year in Chautuaqua County Jail.
The investigation started after a pitbull was found hanging from a tree back in April of 2018. Officials say they were able to connect the dead dog to Overton through various citizen tips after media outlets reported.
Chautauqua District Attorney Patrick Swanson stated the following in regards to the case:
"This case reminds us of the deficiencies in New York State law. Many people believe that this level of punishment is insufficient. What I say to those folks is that they need to contact their state representatives and push for change. The actions of this man were dreadful. But two years was the maximum potential punishment under our law. The court sentenced him to a jail term that we are pleased with given the law. Mr. Overton will be the first offender to be placed on the Animal Abuser registry in Chautauqua County. My hope is that this man does not have domestic animals again.”
You can find our previous coverage on this story here.
