By Shereen Siewert
WAUSAU — A 25-year-old former Rothschild man who snapped the neck of his girlfriend’s Yorkshire terrier during an argument, killing the animal, was sentenced last week in Marathon County Circuit Court to one year in prison followed by two years extended supervision.
Matthew R. Newton was convicted Oct. 3 in Marathon County Circuit Court of mistreating an animal resulting in death and domestic disorderly conduct in connection with the case. A charge of criminal damage to property was dismissed and read into the record for sentencing.
Police were called in the early morning hours of Feb. 4, 2018 to a Rothschild home where a woman reported that she and Newton were in the midst of an argument about her contact with a Madison man when Newton grabbed the dog and threw the animal against the wall.
Then, the woman told police, Newton picked up the dog again, intentionally snapped the dog’s neck and threw him against the wall a second time. The woman said she knew at that point that her pet, named Willard McGee, would not survive.
Reserve Circuit Judge Greg Grau also ordered Newton to undergo counseling and pay restitution of $449. Once he is released from prison, Newton is prohibited from having pets or contact with pets unless he receives approval from a probation agent.
Newton is currently incarcerated at Stanley Correctional Institution, according to Department of Corrections records. He was given 152 days credit for time served behind bars while awaiting trial.
