Man gets maximum for cruelty to animals

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » A Clifton Park man was sentenced Friday to two years in Saratoga County Jail, the maximum penalty allowed, for his felony conviction of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Hank D. Smith, 27, of 1814 Huntridge Dr., admitted that with no justifiable purpose he intentionally PHOTO PROVIDED killed a miniature Hank D. Smith Pinscher named Nicholas.

The crime is a violation of “Buster’s Law.”

Aggravated cruelty is conduct intended to cause extreme physical pain, or conduct carried out in an especially depraved or sadistic manner.

Before imposing sentence, Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy III heard a victim impact statement from the dog’s owner, Terri Brewer, who spoke about the death of her beloved pet and how much he meant to her.

She described Nicholas as a member of the family, and concluded by asking Smith why he committed the crime.

Brewer also showed Murphy photos of Nicholas that she keeps in her phone.

Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen cited the assistance of state police in the case.

“Crimes against innocent, helpless animals can be difficult to piece together,” she said. “State police worked tirelessly in this matter to provide my office with a complete, solid case.”

Heggen said this contributed to a conviction of the highest count, and the maximum sentence Murphy imposed.

Assistant District Attorney Katherine Demartino prosecuted the case.