Soldier pleads not guilty to animal abuse

Soldier pleads not guilty to animal abuse

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 7, 2009 9:09:22 EST

SAPULPA, Okla. — An Army soldier accused of dragging a dog behind a sport utility vehicle has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of animal abuse.

More than a dozen animal-rights supporters took front-row seats in a Creek County courtroom Tuesday as Cody Wayne Hahn made an initial appearance.

“We’re here because it’s important that people see and care what happens to animals,” said Ruth Steinberger, state outreach coordinator for the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals. “Animal abuse is a serious crime, and everyone wants to see justice done here.”

Several witnesses reported seeing a black SUV dragging a dog behind the vehicle on Oct. 16. The dog, which now goes by the name of Sammy, suffered gruesome injuries but Drs. William Mitchell and Agniellis Feliciano of the Bristow Veterinary Hospital saved his life.

Sammy has since been adopted.
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