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(Photos courtesy of Deseret News)
The man convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty appeared in court today.
John Clinton Smith was scheduled to be sentenced today for three third-degree felony charges of dog fighting and training dogs for fighting. But the sentencing was rescheduled for October due to a pre-sentencing report that didn't get filed.
Animal advocates are upset with the delay. They say it doesn't seem like Smith is taking the charges seriously and that he missed a court evaluation, which is why his sentencing was put off a month.
Smith was charged with dog fighting and training dogs for fighting, but before the hearing, he told reporters he had nothing to feel sorry for because he had never abused dogs.
In 2003, animal control officers took six pit bulls and seized fighting equipment from Smith's house. Smith could face up to five years in jail or a $250,000.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
