Man sentenced for beating girlfriend with puppy

A 51-year-old man has been sentenced to six months in jail after authorities say he beat his girlfriend with a two-week-old puppy, causing the animal’s death.  Timothy Tucker also was sentenced Tuesday to four years of probation and entry into the Swift and Sure Sanctions Program. He was ordered to pay state fees and restitution.  Tucker pleaded guilty in December to third-offense domestic violence as a second-time habitual offender. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports one count of killing/torturing animals was dismissed was part of a plea deal.  According to court documents, Tucker punched his girlfriend in the face in November, and then repeatedly struck her with the couple’s puppy.  Tucker will receive credit for 68 days he’s already served in jail.  (AP)