Peabody Man Convicted Of Assaulting Dog

PEABODY, MA — Steven Severino, 31, of Peabody, will serve 30 days of an 18-month jail sentence after being found guilty of animal cruelty Monday by Malden District Court Judge James LaMothe. Severino waived his right to a jury trial. LaMothe heard testimony from five witnesses and reviewed videos submitted by prosecutors.

Everett police arrested Severino last September at his girlfriend's home after neighbors reported hearing what sounded like a dog yelp and an animal being thrown against a structure. Police charged him with animal cruelty and said the dog died after suffering a broken jaw and other injuries.

Animal rights activists have attended each hearing in the trial, including when it was first delayed in April. The group had mobilized on social media under the banner of "Justice For Coco," the dog Severino is accused of killing last year.