Man pleads guilty in dog torture death

Published 10:12 am Friday, June 5, 2015

ELK RIVER — A Minnesota man has reached a plea agreement on charges he videotaped himself as he tortured and killed his girlfriend’s dog.

Anthony Sather pleaded guilty Thursday in Sherburne County court to animal cruelty and drug possession.

The charges alleged Sather recorded himself beating, kicking and eventually shooting the husky mix named Draco at the Princeton home he shared with his girlfriend. Investigators say Sather then dumped the dog’s body in a ditch.

Email newsletter signup

Sentencing is set for Aug. 17.

Much of the allegations against Sather are based on three videos his girlfriend found on his computer in December showing the assault.

Dozens of protesters gathered Thursday morning outside the Sherburne County Court complex, carrying signs calling for “Justice for Draco.”