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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate NEWS NOW School districts grapple with transgender guidelines; Ashland has walked the talk for years ... Wolf Creek man dies in rollover ... Mosquito spraying raises fears, questions ... School districts grapple with transgender guidelines; Ashland has walked the talk for years ... Wolf Creek man dies in rollover ... Mosquito spraying raises fears, questions ... EUGENE Lane County judge addresses concerns about 30-day sentence for dog-beater Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted May. 21, 2016 at 2:00 AM By The Associated Press Posted May. 21, 2016 at 2:00 AM » Social News EUGENE — An Oregon district attorney took the unusual step of issuing a Twitter response after public concern about the sentence handed down to a man who beat a dog named Earl. Zachary Ralston, 24, of Cottage Grove pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of aggravated animal abuse and drug possession. He got 30 days in jail for beating the dog and 10 days for possessing heroin and methamphetamine, The Register-Guard reported ( https://is.gd/ACsWJd ). Criticism of the sentence prompted Lane County District Attorney Patty Perlow to respond. She said the punishment was correct given the sentencing guidelines for animal abuse and Ralston's lack of criminal history. "I'm as unhappy as you that animals are valued so little in our criminal justice system," Perlow said in her statement, released via Twitter. "This used to be the kind of sentence imposed for assaulting children, and outraged citizens changed that," Perlow said. "While I am certainly an advocate for strengthening animal abuse and cruelty laws that will have a strong deterrent effect, it is an issue in which we all need to be involved, and not just within our local community." A mall security guard called police April 25 to report that a man was choking, kicking, punching and throwing a dog. The injured animal was found struggling to breathe and with an abnormally low heart rate. The terrier-type dog believed to be about 18 months old was taken to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, where he was treated for a traumatic brain injury and other health issues. The dog was later placed with a foster family. "Earl is recovering very well," Perlow said. Ralston told police he had been watching the dog for a friend. That friend, according to jail records, was arrested on theft charges a few days after the attack. Authorities later posted a legal advertisement giving the man three weeks to claim Earl or forfeit ownership, opening up the possibility of adoption. A court hearing on what happens if the owner doesn't come forward has been scheduled for June 7. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted May. 21, 2016 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501