TRAVERSE CITY — A man from Grand Traverse County has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and 18 months probation following his self-admitted “neglect” of a dog.
Zachary Schraufnagel, 25, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of abandoning or cruelty toward an animal.
The dog, named Mighty Mac, was eventually put down due to a combination of medical issues.
Schraufnagel acknowledged through his attorney that he did not properly care for the dog.
“He will take responsibility for his neglect,” said Matthew Connolly, Schraufnagel’s attorney. ”That’s not in question — but the abuse portion of it, he does not take responsibility for the physical abuse.”
Judge Robert Cooney sentenced Schraufnagel to 30 days in jail, above the state’s sentencing guidelines for the charge.
Cooney said in the sentencing that Schraufnagel’s behavior showed a willful disregard for the wellbeing of Mighty Mac.
“A dog doesn’t become this emaciated unless the abuse goes on for a substantial period of time,” he said. “The other reason I think some measure of punishment is called for is because the defendant does not appear remorseful or apologetic.”
Schraufnagel will also have to serve 18 months of probation after leaving jail and will not be allowed to own an animal for the foreseeable future.
Cooney also left open the possibility for a ruling on restitutions to the Cherryland Humane Society, likely equivalent to the cost they would have put into caring for Schraufnagel’s dog.