John William Peterson threw a Chihuahua, breaking its femur
(Woodland, CA) – April 3, 2017 – Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that on March 29, 2017, a Yolo County jury found 45-year-old Woodland man John William Peterson guilty of animal cruelty.
On the early morning of March 23, 2016, Peterson became upset after a seven year old Chihuahua named Junior, which belonged to his son-in-law, urinated on furniture in the house. Peterson picked up the dog and threw it violently out of the house, breaking the dog’s femur. Peterson then sent a text message to his son-in-law stating that he threw the dog “like a football.” The son-in-law left work early to check on the dog and found the dog laying injured and alone in the back yard. The Chihuahua required surgery and has made a full recovery, although his legs now have slightly different lengths.
The jury began its deliberation on March 29, 2017 and reached its verdict that same day.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig said, “Our office seeks justice for all victims, human or animal. The dog in this case was a truly innocent victim and we are happy to get justice for Junior.”
The Honorable David Rosenberg who presided over the trial will sentence Peterson on April 21, 2017. Peterson is facing up to a year in jail and will be prohibited from owning or possessing animals for five years.
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