posted June 15, 2005 01:16 AM              

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (June 9) - A judge has convicted a priest of having a popular street dog put to death because the animal allegedly disrupted religious services.

In a televised interview Wednesday, the Rev. Carlos Artavia acknowledged having a local veterinarian put the dog, Camila, to death and apologized to those who were offended.

A judge on Tuesday sentenced Artavia to 30 days in jail - a penalty waived on payment of 1,000 colons (about $2.10). He said Artavia should have established that the dog was ill or a threat.

The dog had been popular in the poor neighborhood and was known for accompanying funeral processions as well as attending Mass.

"I am going to pay the fine happily and I take the opportunity to offer my public apologies to all those who felt offended," Artavia said to Channel 6.

The dog vanished on Jan. 24 and some neighbors say it enter the priest's car. He admitted having her put to death, prompting some parishioners to file a complaint.

06/08/05 22:50 EDT

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