Ohio Father Gets 6 Years for Using Cattle Prod on Kids

Ohio father sentenced to six years in prison for using an electric cattle prod to punish his children.

2 min read

A father in Erie County, Ohio, has been sentenced to six years in prison for using an electric cattle prod to terrorize his children and stepchildren. Robert Bores pleaded guilty to two felony counts of domestic violence, receiving the maximum sentence allowed under the law.

Case Details and Sentencing

Bores was sentenced by Judge Roger Binette in the Erie County Common Pleas Court on Thursday, marking the conclusion of a case that had been in the court system for over two and a half years. During the sentencing hearing, the judge detailed how Bores used the cattle prod on young children, including an incident where one child was shocked for not putting away laundry.

The children involved were 8 and 9 years old at the time of the incidents. Prosecutors argued that the cattle prod, designed for large animals, was unsuitable for disciplining children. Judge Binette emphasized that the cattle prod was used on the back, butt, arms, and legs of the children, reinforcing that it was not meant for human use.

Legal Defense and Prosecution

Bores’ attorney, Brent English, claimed that Bores only intended to scare the children and never intended to cause physical harm. However, prosecutors, including Chief Assistant Erie County Prosecutor Paulette Lilly, countered that the use of a cattle prod for punishment was inappropriate and dangerous. Lilly explained that the device was not meant for human discipline, highlighting the severity of the case.

During the sentencing, the judge referenced statements made by the children in court documents, underscoring the emotional and physical toll of the actions. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the punishment and the nature of the disciplinary methods used.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

The case has sparked discussions about the limits of parental authority and the use of force in child-rearing. Most parents rely on timeouts or taking away screen time for misbehavior, but Bores’ actions have led to a six-year prison sentence, highlighting the legal and ethical boundaries that must be respected.