California dog-beating verdict upheld

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SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- A California appellate court upheld the conviction and four-year prison sentence of an Oakland man for beating his dog with a mop and ax handle.

In its ruling Thursday, the 1st District Court of Appeal agreed with the defense that presiding Judge Allan Hymer should have disqualified two prospective jurors who questioned their own impartiality in the trial but noted the error was inconsequential because they weren't a part of the jury that convicted Charles Black.

Neighbors testified they witnessed Black beat his pit bull, Blueberry, with a mop and an ax handle in 2009 and 2010, videotaping the second incident, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday.

The dog recovered from its injuries at an animal shelter and was adopted by a family.

Defense lawyer Robert Angres said he will likely ask the state Supreme Court to review the case.