By Jim Patten,
Staff Writer
The Eagle Tribune
March 05, 2008
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
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