On Tuesday, December 15, 2015, the Winona, Mississippi Board of Aldermen unanimously voted to amend the 2009 city ordinance regarding animal cruelty to better reflect the stronger state legislation that was enacted in 2011. MSSS 97-41-16, Aggravated Cruelty to a Dog or Cat, carries a penalty of a maximum $2,500 fine and up to six months in jail. Winona’s newly upgraded legislation matches MSSS 97-41-16, but additionally applies to all animals, not just dogs and cats, which is a huge victory when you consider there are people who starve their horses, goats, and other “livestock” to death with almost no penalty at all.

Our Justice for Animal Coalition Director, Doll Stanley, met with Winona Mayor Jerry Flowers in the wake of the firestorm created over the October 27, 2015 outrageous sentencing of Jonathan Thompson, of 302 Cade Street, Winona, Mississippi for the heinous act of torching and killing his dog in his backyard. He was fined a mere $327.50 and sent on his way without jail time, counseling, or probation, which outraged people worldwide.

The Justice for Animals Coalition is composed of Mississippi activists and officials, and is actively working with other community officials for similar changes, with the goal of moving state legislators to embrace the will of the people to protect animals and see justice for those cruelly treated.

Click here to read more in our press release about this.