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Iowa Man Gets Probation For Beating Dog With Hammer

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A 63-year-old Mason City man who used a hammer to beat his dog has been given probation.

George Harrington was sentenced on Monday to 60 days in jail and fined $625 for animal torture and other crimes. All but two days of the jail time were suspended, as was the fine. Harrington must perform four hours of community service and can't have any pets in his home during his probation.

Police say officers called to Harrington's residence in June found an injured boxer mix. Police say the dog was taken to a veterinarian, who euthanized it because of head injuries the vet said were caused by a hammer.

Harrington has since said he was trying to euthanize the dog because he thought it was suffering from a stroke.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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