Iowa man who killed a puppy by snapping its neck sentenced to 2 years in prison

A Des Moines man was sentenced this week to a maximum of two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to killing a dog by twisting its neck, court records show.

Christopher Vogel, 26, of the 2500 block of East 41st Court, was sentenced Thursday and ordered to pay a $650 fine. He pleaded guilty in November to animal abuse in the killing of a Corgi puppy named Baby by turning and smashing its neck, according to court documents.

Police responded July 6 to an apartment in the 3200 block of 30th Street in the city's Beaverdale neighborhood, where two people found their puppy lying in a stairwell, unable to move and whimpering, authorities said. The puppy's owners, both in their 50s, told officers they believed Vogel, an acquaintance, had snapped the dog's neck.

The incident erupted over an argument about Wi-Fi, authorities said. Vogel went to the apartment and asked to use the wireless internet, saying the dog's owner "owed him," according to a police report.

When the dog's owner refused, Vogel said he would snap the dog's neck, grabbed the animal and ran out of the apartment with it, police said.

The puppy died while Animal Rescue League of Iowa workers were taking it to the shelter for additional medical care. In a statement, the group said it was "heartbroken, sickened, furious."

Vogel was charged with animal abuse and fourth-degree criminal mischief, which he pleaded not guilty to in September. In late November, he pleaded guilty to animal abuse.

The owners estimated it would cost between $200 and $250 to replace the Corgi. Vogel was ordered to pay restitution to the owners, though the amount has not been determined.