Last week in Greenwood, Mississippi, a man walked down the street with his 12 gage shotgun, went into his neighbors’ yard, drew his weapon and shot a gentle and kind family dog in the face. A witness saw Malamute-Siberian Husky mix Luke run crying into the woods while the shooter held his weapon to his chest and walked back to his residence.

Leflore County Sheriff’s Department responded to the emergency and arrested the perpetrator. Fortunately, Luke survived and is now recovering with his family. But until crimes like these are punished, animals, their families, and society will continue to suffer.

Justice for Animals Director Doll Stanley attended the crime scene and is assisting the family to see justice served for Luke. Mathews should be charged under Mississippi State statute 97-41-16 (2) (b) “Maliciously injuring dogs or cats, a misdemeanor charge of aggravated cruelty, which carries a maximum sentence of a $2,500 fine and six months imprisonment. Mathews could face an additional charge reflecting his drunken state.

Reports of shootings, draggings, burnings, and equally horrid violence against animals are flowing into our Justice for Animals Campaign office. It is past time for legislators and authorities to take these crimes for the serious impact they have on animals, families, and all society.

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign is working tirelessly to advance the cause for justice and show state legislators that the people of Mississippi are united against senseless and horrific animal abuse. Campaign members are aligning with Mississippi judges, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement officials, legislators, animal advocates and concerned citizens to pass meaningful regional ordinances that will protect animals when state statutes fail. In Defense of Animals has served in Mississippi for 24 years, aiding victims and law enforcement with hundreds of cruelty reports.