Jail for Illinois man who stole, drugged puppy

[July 03, 2008]  WHEATON (AP) -- A judge has ordered a 60-day jail sentence for an Illinois man accused of stealing a $1,500 Pomeranian puppy and blowing marijuana smoke into its face until it passed out.

In sentencing 19-year-old Emanuel Lopez on Wednesday, DuPage County Judge John Kinsella said only the bottom rung of humanity abuses animals for their amusement.

Lopez pleaded guilty in May to stealing the puppy on March 21 from a Petland store in Naperville. The dog was returned to the store three days later and has since been adopted.

Kinsella also placed Lopez on 30 months' probation and said he will be subjected to frequent drug testing.

Prosecutors say two former store employees asked Lopez to participate in the theft.

[Associated Press]

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