It's a Ferret Life

Haverhill man faces 2

HAVERHILL — He didn't hit the dog or kick the cat.

But a city man threw his wife's pet ferret against the wall during an argument with her, police said. The little animal is OK, but the man faces 2 1/2 years in jail if convicted of animal cruelty — the same jail term he can receive on a charge of assaulting his wife during the argument, police said.

Sgt. John Arahovites said officers were sent to the home of Jeffrey Bodah, 55, of 40 Newcomb St., after dispatchers received a phone call from a woman who sounded like she was being beaten.

When they arrived at 11:05 a.m. Monday, they found Bodah and his wife arguing.

The woman told police they were arguing over food stamps and money, and he had demanded money from her, police said.

During the argument, he threw a remote control at her and began placing her pets outside the apartment in the hallway, Arahovites said. Officers found a bird cage in the hallway when they arrived, he said.

The woman told police Bodah picked up her pet ferret and threw it at her in the hallway, Arahovites said.

"The ferret went over her head and struck the wall and dropped to a landing," Arahovites said. "She retrieved it."

The ferret did not appear to be injured, Arahovites said.

Bodah was arraigned Monday in Haverhill District Court on charges of assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon (a television remote control) and animal cruelty.

Judge Stephen Abany allowed Bodah to go free on $250 cash bail, but as a condition of his release, ordered him not to abuse his wife. He was ordered to return to court on March 26.

If convicted on the animal cruelty charge, he faces up to 2 1/2 years in jail or a $2,500 fine. On the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, he faces up to 2 1/2 years in jail or a $1,000 fine, and the assault and battery charge carries a maximum penalty of 2 1/2 years in jail or a $500 fine.

Jail time for ...

r Animal cruelty: 2 1/2 years

r Assault and battery on a person: 2 1/2 years