Man who beat a dog to death can never own a pet again

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - A man who beat a dog is banned from ever owning a pet again. He is the first in Volusia County to be punished by a new law.

A Volusia County judge says that the man, 53-year-old Dean Sullivan, is never allowed to own a pet again, whether that be a dog, cat, bird, or reptile.

Sullivan is the first in the county to feel the wrath of the new bill called 'Ponce's Law.' It is named after the labrador retriever puppy that was beaten to death. The bill was signed by Governor Rick Scott last year.

The law does not go into effect until October, but the judge in this case took matters into her own hands.

Police say that in additional to a lifetime ban, Sullivan will also spend eight months behind bars. 

Debbie Taylor Darino, who led the effort to create the law, says she is happy it is already being put to use. 

Sullivan pled guilty to animal abuse.