On Tuesday, a Barton County jury convicted Christopher Delauder of cruelty to animals and criminal trespass for killing a neighbor’s Dalmatian last November in Susank.

In November of 2020, witnesses at the scene guided Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies to a kennel where the animal had been stabbed to death. At least one Susank resident witnessed the incident and pulled Delauder off the animal, Sheriff Brian Bellendir reported at the time. 

Jury selection began Monday and the trial concluded Tuesday. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury deliberated for approximately half an hour before returning the verdict, Barton County Attorney Levi Morris reported.

Animal cruelty is a non-person non-grid felony that can carry a sentence of up to one year in the Barton County jail. Criminal trespass is a Class B non-person misdemeanor that can carry an additional six months in the Barton County jail.

Sentencing is set for 11 a.m. on Jan. 14, 2022.

The State of Kansas was represented by Assistant Barton County Attorney Colin Reynolds. The defendant was represented by Bradley T. Steen.