You are bleating like a sheep. The state owns the dog, therefore it’s more important than a dog that you own.
That should make your blood boil.
Read the article again. The guy didn't go to prison for life for killing the dog per se. He was already a convicted felon, and apparently this was his third felony, and he committed the felony using a gun. He went to prison because of the three strikes and you're in for life law.