Ramsey County Deputy to Serve One-Year Probation

Deputy to serve one-year of probation in animal cruelty case

A Ramsey County police deputy learned his fate in court after pleading guilty to animal cruelty. Officer Brett Berry was sentenced in Carlton Court on February, 17th.

Berry was sentenced to a year of probation and over $1,200 in fines and restitution fees and will not face any jail time unless he violates his probation.

Berry was caught on surveillance video outside of Black Bear Casino and Resort picking up his canine officer, Boone, and throwing him to the ground.

When the dog ran away, Berry caught him and struck the dog repeatedly. Berry didn’t say much in court, but did say he made a mistake and was sorry.

For some of those gathered in the courtroom, they say they’re disappointed and it’s not enough.

“The problem was the law and not knowing what to do and not being able to do anything. So we need to get our laws changed. As a public, we need to go to our legislatures and demand that change. Otherwise this just happens again,” said animal rights activist Mary Nelson.

Berry was also ordered to not have any pets or alcohol during his probation.

Both the prosecution and the defense said they have never seen so much reaction to a case either one of them have worked.

Ramsey County will have the final say on whether or not Berry keeps his job.