Jury trial scheduled in puppy beating case

A jury trial is scheduled for March 17, 2010 at 8:30 am in the Dane County Circuit Court for the alleged killing of a puppy in December of 2009.

Dwayne R. Johnson, 35, of Madison is accused of beating the 4-6 week old puppy named Jewels in the head with a flashlight. According to the criminal complaint, Johnson was arguing with his girlfriend over ownership of the 9.8 pound Pit Bull puppy. His girlfriend wanted to keep the puppy, but Johnson stated the puppy belonged to him. Johnson further stated that if he couldn’t have the puppy no one would. He then struck the puppy in the head 3 times with the flashlight, causing her death.

According to Johnson’s statement, 5 or 6 people witnessed the beating in the parking lot where it occurred. He remarked, “They were looking at me like I was a maniac.”

Dwayne R. Johnson is being charged with one count of felony Mistreatment of Animals/Cause Death.

(Photo left: the accused Dwayne R. Johnson)