A man man accused of killing a dog with a hammer failed to show up for court Monday, and Portage County Judge Thomas Flugaur issued a warrant for 26-year-old Cody Phillips of Bancroft. Phillips is charged with felony animal abuse resulting in death. He allegedly admitted to investigators that he struck his dog named Clyde with the hammer for defecating in his home. He also commented that if he got rid of the dog and it’s indoor messes, his wife might come back.
Deputies found the dog in a nearby ditch with a broken jaw, muzzle, and signs of several blows. Phillips could face up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines if convicted. The court did not reset his initial appearance. They will wait until Phillips is located and arrested. He is likely to lose his $500 cash bond for failing to appear in court Monday.
WSAU