Man to pay fine in animal cruelty case

POLSON — A Polson man who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges will face no jail time. Instead, the court has ordered Kristopher M. Lawson, 20, to pay $500 to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter and complete a therapy program.

Lawson was arrested in November on cruelty charges after Ronan police found a German shepherd severely beaten.

A post-mortem examination performed by a veterinarian showed multiple skull fractures and other serious injuries that resulted in the animal being euthanized.

Lawson was originally charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony.

Lawson was arrested on a warrant by Lake County deputies at his parent’s house near Polson, and he was formally charged

He pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor, in district court last week.

Lawson must complete the MAP program through DOVES within seven months of the date of sentencing.

-From staff reports