Man sentenced in Tazewell County for the death of “Charlie the Dog”

TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA (WVNS) — A Raven man was sentenced for animal cruelty resulting in the death of a dog in Tazewell County.

According to a press release, 35-year-old Eric Ryan Rose, of Raven, Virginia, was sentenced to five years in prison with four years and three months of that sentence suspended, and five years of parole after he is released from prison, on one count of felony torturing or maiming a dog resulting in the animal’s death.

Rose was also sentenced to 50-hours community service, continued mental health treatment, and was banned from owning or possessing any companion animals. Rose was arrested after the trial.

Eric Rose should go to prison. Plain and simple. The Commonwealth fully understands that the Court’s hands are tied by the General Assembly in that the most severe punishment that Mr. Rose can face under the law is 5 years in the Virginia Department of Corrections. The Commonwealth would argue that Mr. Rose is deserving of every day of that 5 years.

Chris Plaster | Tazewell County Commonwealth’s Attorney

Rose gave evidence at the hearing about his previous mental health struggles and treatment upon his return from his military service in Afghanistan from the Veteran’s Administration, however Plaster argued that it did not excuse what he did to “Charlie the Dog.”

The Virginia State Police investigated the crime with the help of the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.

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