Merced man sentenced to jail for attacking dog with machetes

A 29-year-old Merced man received a one-year jail sentence Monday for his role in slashing a dog with machetes earlier this year and leaving it for dead.

Aaron W. Carney was sentenced by Judge David W. Moranda in Merced Superior Court, ending an emotionally charged animal cruelty case that received national attention during the summerlong court process.

Carney was a co-defendant with Myron L. Pattillo, who prosecutors said was the main culprit in the May 1 attack. Pattillo, 46, and Carney took the Siberian husky, tied it to a fire hydrant at the corner of Austin Avenue and Conestoga Drive and repeatedly slashed the animal. They left it suffering and animal control authorities had to put the dog down, officials said.

Investigators have said Pattillo and the dog’s handler got into an argument shortly before when the husky apparently bit Pattillo’s dog. Pattillo went back to his apartment and, along with Carney, spotted the husky a short time later on the street corner.

Pattillo pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and received a two-year prison sentence earlier this month. Carney also pleaded guilty to a single felony count of animal cruelty.

Thomas Min, the Merced County deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case, said he was satisfied with outcome.

“In this case we are satisfied with the court’s indicated sentence based on the facts and circumstances,” Min said. “The District Attorney’s Office and the people of Merced will not tolerate senseless acts of violence against helpless animals. Hopefully this serves as a reminder to anyone who thinks about committing one of these cowardly acts against an animal.”

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 5:43 PM with the headline "Merced man sentenced to jail for attacking dog with machetes."