Catholic Priest Sentenced to 30 Days Jail for Killing Dog
The Juzgado Contravencional del II Circuito Judicial de San José sentenced Padre Carlos Artavia, priest of the Tibás Parrish, to 30 days jail for the death of "Camila", the street dog that the priest sent to be be put to death at a veterinary clinic following reports that the dog was disturbing masses.

The sentence will be enforced if the priest does not pay to the court ¢30.000 colones (us$62.89) which is the fine set by the court in lieu of jail time.

The judge made the decision to convict the priest, explaining that based on witnesses, the priest caused the death of the animal without first mediating the problem. The dog was not sick nor had it attacked anyone, was only a nuisance from time to time.

In addition, the judge said, the defense attorney never brought the earlier argument that the priest never signed the order to have the dog put to death and no one witnesses the priest take the dog to the veterinarian.

In in closing comments, the judge said the sentence he handed out is the maximum allowed by law for cruelty to an animal, because, as a priest, Artavia, never practiced tolerance towards the situation, as required by the church of its priests.

"Camila" was a well known dog in the community and never bothered anyone. The dog seemed to have loved to attend masses at the church, as well as funerals. The dog disappeared on January 24 and was seen been taken away in a pick up truck by the priest. At the Tuesday mass, the priest told the church goers not to ask for the dog anymore as she would be resting in peace.