Maximum sentence for beating dog to death
SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. >> A Saratoga Springs man was given the maximum sentence for his aggravated cruelty to an animal conviction, District Attorney Karen A. Heggen said.
Aaron Brinkley, 31, was sentenced Dec. 6 by Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy following Brinkley’s conviction on Sept. 24 of aggravated animal cruelty. Murphy imposed a sentence of two years to be served in the Saratoga County Correctional facility.
Brinkley’s conviction was the result of an Oct. 6, 2017, incident in Saratoga Springs. Evidence presented showed Brinkley brutally beat his 29-pound Boston Terrier, Riko, with a hammer, inflicting injuries that ultimately led to the dog’s death.
Brinkley had hit Riko several times and, in response, Riko bit Brinkley on the thumb. Brinkley then beat the dog with a hammer, causing serious injuries, including fractured teeth and inter-
nal trauma. Brinkley then tossed Riko onto a balcony, where the dog died of his injuries.
In addition to his sentence, Murphy imposed a court order prohibiting Brinkley from owning any animals for a period of 50 years. Trial Assistant District Attorney Katherine DeMartino echoed Murphy, saying Brinkley’s conduct demonstrated a complete and utter disregard for life.
“This is another tragic case where an animal is subjected to continuous, cruel and substantial violence, resulting in death,” Heggen noted. “Through the collaborative efforts of the Saratoga Springs Police Department and ADA DeMartino, a complete picture was painted for the trial jury, which showed the terrible injuries sustained by Riko the Boston terrier. While no sentence can ever bring back Riko, we believe the sentence today is a just result.”