HOOSICK, N.Y. – A former town dog catcher in Rensselaer County admits he shot stray dogs he picked up and buried them in his barnyard manure pile.
Forty-six-year-old Matthew Beck of Hoosick pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of official misconduct, petit larceny and animal cruelty in Hoosick Town Court.
He also admitted violating state Environmental Conservation law for running a disposal site without a permit. Under a plea deal, Beck will serve 10 days of home confinement, two weekends in jail and three years' probation.
Investigators found several dog carcasses in Beck's manure pile, including two skulls with bullet holes.
A resident whose two dogs were picked up by Beck appeared in court with photos of her pets pinned to her shirt. She said the sentence was too lenient.
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