Two-year jail sentence in animal abuse case of 'Justice the dog'

Justice the dog, who was found with his muzzle, neck and paws bound with tape, is seen in this photo posted to the Windsor and Essex County Humane Society's Facebook page on Jan. 10, 2016.

Michael Hill has been sentenced to two years in jail after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal in court on Monday.

In addition to the jail term, Hill has also been sentenced to three years of probation and is prohibited from owning an animal for 25 years.

Both the Crown and defence had been seeking a two-year jail term.

Hill was charged in connection with the discovery of a small dog on Walker Road whose muzzle, neck and paws had been bound with electrical tape.

Since named Justice, the dog has undergone multiple surgeries to repair the damage caused to the tissues and continues to recover.

Two victim impact statements were read by the judge at the sentencing hearing on Monday, both from Justice's then owners.

The statement from one owner said she's lost sleep and her appetite over the incident, and that she's broken-hearted that Hill could be so cruel.

Before his sentencing, the 32-year-old had been held without bail for nearly two  months, and animal rights activists seeking 'Justice for Justice' have made their presence felt at several of his court appearances.