November 8, 2007

CALIFORNIA – A Ventura man will spend 270 days in jail, five years on probation and pay $5,479 in restitution for torturing his autistic neighbor's pet tortoise.

Prosecutors say 18 year-old Jose Antonio Mosqueda nabbed the 40-pound African Tortoise named Bob from the Sullivan family's backyard. He cut the animal's legs and neck before throwing it against a wall and puncturing it's shell.

The boy's mother, Dorothy Sullivan, believes Mosqueda also poisoned a 12 year-old Dachshund belonging to the family. The dog had to be put down after ingesting what may have been anti-freeze.

Mosqueda has apologized for his actions and was credited with 156 days in jail for good conduct. But his lawyer's request to lower the felony charge to a misdemeanor was not met. Mosqueda must also surrender his pets – an iguana, dog and snake.

Dorothy Sullivan says although the tortoise is healing, her 7 year-old son, William was highly traumatized by the event.

Bob is his best friend- William spoke his first words to the tortoise.

Mosqueda's attorney says his client is remorseful for his actions – and has written the family apologies.

Tell us what you think under this story. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. Email us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or call us at 877-777-4204.