Puppy Doe Trial: Czerkawski Gets Prison Time

DEDHAM, MA — Radoslaw Czerkawski, 36, who was found guilty of 12 counts of animal cruelty in the "Puppy Doe" trial, will spend an additional eight to 10 years in a state prison, on top of his current prison terms.

Following his release from prison, Czerkawski will serve two years of probation and is forbidden from having any contact or working with any animals. He must also stay away from all witnesses, police officers and doctors involved with the case, as well as the family of the elderly woman for whom he was hired to care.

Authorities say Czerkawski bought the young pit bull on Craigslist on June 8, 2013 and tortured it for its few remaining days. The dog was found near a playground 86 days later and had to be euthanized due to its injuries.

Following a two-month investigation, police identified Czerkawski, who at the time was living in the Quincy home of a woman he was taking care of, as the owner of the dog. He was taken into custody at a hotel in New Britain, Conn.

Connor told jurors during opening statements that the dog suffered five skull fractures, seven crushing injuries to her spine, two broken ribs, a broken femur and a sliced tongue.

"Today was a historic day for animal welfare in Massachusetts," Animal Rescue League of Boston President Mary Nee said. "With the conviction and sentencing of Radoslaw Czerkawski, it has been demonstrated that people who commit animal cruelty, and in this case extreme cruelty, will be held accountable. Ironically Puppy Doe’s short and tragic life was the impetus for stronger laws protecting all animals in the Commonwealth—and there’s still work to do."

Larry Tipton, Czerkawski's attorney, denied that his client hurt anyone.

Prosecutors requested 12 to 15 years in prison for Czerkawski while the defense recommended four-and-a-half to five years.

Czerkawski is currently serving three to five years in prison for stealing $130,000 from the elderly woman he was hired to take care of and another three to five years for taking $4,500 from St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford, where he had stayed for several months in 2012.

Below is the full sentencing hearing:

This story will be updated.

Image Credit: Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool