Man avoids prison in cow dragging death

WAREHAM, Mass.—A Freetown man who faced an animal cruelty charge for allegedly killing a cow by dragging it behind his truck will avoid prison time under an agreement between prosecutors and defense lawyers.

A judge on Wednesday accepted an agreement whereby Jose Pacheco agreed to sufficient facts and the case will be continued without a finding for 18 months.

Pacheco’s lawyer told The Standard-Times of New Bedford that his client took the deal because with a family he cannot afford a felony conviction.

Authorities said the cow wandered away from Pacheco’s property last winter. Police said Pacheco harnessed the animal to his truck and tried to coax it home, but it stumbled and fell, dying as it left a trail of blood.

Attorney Cory Arter said Pacheco, 41, never intended to harm the cow.