Man appears in court on animal cruelty charges

Jon Lawler, 18, of Evergreen, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of cruelty to animals for using cats and kittens to train his dogs.

Lawler appeared in Justice Court, where Justice of the Peace David Ortley set a Nov. 26 sentencing date. Lawler faces a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail for each count.

According to the criminal complaint against him, Lawler admits going to four homes to pick up kittens that had been advertised to be given away. At one home, he said he "would not pay for a kitten that would end up dead."

He admitted turning cats loose for his dogs to chase down and kill. He said he saw nothing wrong with that and knew of 10 stray cats near a friend's house that he wants to catch to train his dogs with this weekend.

Lawler was arrested as he drove Wednesday. Officers learned he is also wanted on three tickets for driving with a suspended or expired license, two counts of speeding, and having an expired driver's license.