NEWS

Warrant issued for man who mutilated dog

Bethany Bruner
Reporter

NEWARK – A warrant has been issued for a man who admitted to mutilating a family’s dog late last year.

Harley Paynter, 19, had been scheduled to meet with his probation officer Wednesday afternoon, however, Paynter failed to report for that meeting, according to court records.

Paynter was released March 13 from the Licking County Justice Center following a sentencing hearing at which Paynter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals, possession of drugs and underage consumption.

Judge Michael Higgins sentenced Paynter to 180 days in jail, giving him credit for 86 days served and suspending the remaining 94 days.

Another aspect of Paynter’s release was that he serve 11 months on probation. Following his release from the jail, Paynter never reported to his probation officer, according to court records.

Paynter was taken to Pennsylvania by his mother to seek treatment and was scheduled to report to his probation officer for that initial meeting around 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Court records show a bench warrant was issued by the probation department Thursday morning after Paynter did not appear for that meeting.

In December, Paynter killed the pet pug of a family with whom he was staying. Only portions of the dog were recovered.

As of 5 p.m. Thursday, Paynter was not listed as being incarcerated in the Licking County jail.