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Days Shaved Off NJ Inmate's Sentence After Rescue Of Animal Shelter Worker

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New Jersey inmate who rescued an animal shelter worker from a pit bull says he's grateful the sheriff cut his sentence by three days.

Justin Peggs says he feared the dog would attack him too as he wrestled it off Kathleen James and held it down.

The 22-year-old, who says he weighs 400 pounds, told The Press of Atlantic City that the dog had blood in its mouth and was picking him off the ground with its hind legs.

The shelter worker needed stitches. Peggs was not hurt. The dog was euthanized.

Peggs was working off a 45-day sentence for assault in the Cape May County Sheriff Labor Assistance Program. The program allows him to complete his jail time by working nights or weekends for the county.

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