It is amazing how one can quickly gives a "death sentence" to an animal for such a minor act, which could have easily been instigated by the children's pestering, when most humans get away with minor fines for the unnecessary killing and maiming of animals, not to mention animal cruelty against which the law is rarely enforced.

You cannot compare a crime committed by a human to that committed by an animal. Not because of any deficiency on the animal's side, but because it's actually the other way round. Those humans who have committed more serious crimes against children, such as child abuse which is in the news more often, have been given lenient sentences. Do we ever contemplate giving a "death sentence" or a life sentence to a child molester, this being a much more serious crime?

As far as I know this is not possible, because the law states that the maximum sentence in this case is 15 years and three months.

While I applaud the judge for saving the dog's life, sending him to an animal welfare sanctuary for the rest of his life is like commuting the "death sentence" to life in prison. It is a shame that the dog is being separated from its owner for such a minor act. AAA has more than enough stray animals to take care of and should not be burdened by animals that have caring owners. Such sentencing does nothing to help man's best friend or animals in general.