07/01/2009: "Guilty Plea In Animal Cruelty Case"

San Juan Island resident Rory M. Wilcox pleaded guilty in Superior Court to “Attempted Animal Cruelty in the Fist Degree” and “Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree.”

Wilcox was sentenced to 45 days on each count, with the sentences to be concurrent; plus a fine and court costs of $2,800.00.. And he is not allowed to possess any pets until, and if, allowed by order of the court.

Had he not plead guilty, but been found guilty in a trial, the sentencing could have been harsher, with a maximum sentences of a year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine.

It is both an odd, and a disturbing case. According to official statements, Wilcox was under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms when he “decided for some reason that it was necessary to kill his dog, Chimay” by cutting his dog’s throat in several places. Fortunately he failed to “sever any major arteries or veins.”

He stopped his attack on the dog after his father intervened, and he then “sewed up the lacerations with dental floss”.

At some point after the attack a friend of the family stopped by, saw the dog, and decided to take the animal to the veterinarian.

At this point Wilcox “ran to the van, picked up a large rock, smashed the front passenger window” and then grabbed the woman while freeing the dog from the van. The woman contacted the sheriff’s office, and Wilcox responded by taking off in a kayak.

He was later arrested and charged.