Man Sentenced For Killing Dog In Road Rage Incident In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man convicted of killing a dog in a San Diego road rage incident was sentenced to prison, officials announced.

Todd Schuster intentionally kicked and then ran over a 17-year-old Bichon Frise mix named Benny on April 22 near Merrimack and Fond Du Lac avenues, according to San Diego Humane Society.

Schuster also sent Benny's owner "threatening and obscene messages" after the dog's death, according to San Diego Humane Society. One of the organization's officers spotted Schuster's vehicle, which led to his arrest.

"You affected my life profoundly," Benny's owner said to Schuster in a victim statement provided to the court. "Benny was my emotional support. He was the reason I made it out into the neighborhood, interacted with others … It's not too much to say he gave me a reason for living when my depression threatened to take over … With one kick you took that away from me."

Schuster was sentenced Monday to two years in prison and denied probation.

"While no measure of justice can erase the suffering caused to Benny and his owner, the fact that Schuster has been sentenced two years in prison helps bring closure to this investigation," San Diego Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement Lt. Regina Price said in a statement. "We hope this case serves as a reminder that justice will be pursued for those who cannot speak for themselves."