Man sentenced for beating dog with bat

A South Philly man who beat his ex-girlfriend's dog, Ruby, with a baseball bat - instead of treating her like the precious jewel that she is - was sentenced to the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program and ordered to complete anger management classes yesterday in municipal court, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA and online court records.

Andrew Wallace, 42, of 10th Street near Tasker, was also ordered to pay $2,500 towards Ruby's medical care and recovery, the SPCA said.

Wallace was charged with animal cruelty and possessing instruments of a crime for hitting the pit bull mix with a baseball bat and "severely" injuring the dog's leg on Sept. 6, the SPCA said.

On the same day, Wallace allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend as well. He was charged with simple assault for that alleged incident. His next court date on that case is Feb. 10, according to online records.

Ruby and her owner have been recovering together at home, the SPCA said.

In a written statement, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA, Jerry Buckley, called Wallace's actions that day "violent blatant acts."

"In this case, we are pleased that the dog in question, Ruby, will have the opportunity to recover in her home and have the financial support to receive the best treatment available," Buckley said. "We can only hope that through his ordered treatment, the defendant will changes his ways."