Today we bring you very happy news that involves In Defense of Animals staff at two of our locations in Mississippi. We operate both Hope Animal Sanctuary and our Justice for Animals campaign out of different locations in Mississippi, but by working so well together a splendid outcome was achieved. We’re applauding the strong sentencing of Michael Edward Bobbitt and Christy Bobbitt on charges of bestiality, sexual assault, and aggravated animal cruelty.

On Nov. 11, 2022, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department served Michael Bobbitt with a search and seizure order, seizing evidence that included a computer. He was arrested and booked at the Carroll Montgomery Regional Correctional Facility. 

Four dogs were removed from the Bobbitts’ property and taken to In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada for care and their adoption into loving homes. 

Michael Bobbitt was charged with two felony counts of “unnatural intercourse with a beast,” a crime with up to a 10-year penitentiary sentence, and a single count of sexual battery against his wife, Christy Bobbitt.

Christy Bobbit was charged with four felony counts of “unnatural intercourse with a beast,” and bailed on a $20,000 bond.

Michael Bobbit pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated animal cruelty and was sentenced to three years of supervised probation house arrest on each count to run consecutively for a total of 12 years. He was ordered to pay court costs, fees, and assessments, as well as $2,760 in restitution to Hope Animal Sanctuary. He was ordered to never have contact with animals. A count of unnatural intercourse was remanded.

Christy Bobbit pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated cruelty and was sentenced to three years of intensive supervised probation house arrest on each count to run consecutively for a total of nine years. She was also ordered to pay $2,760 in restitution to Hope Animal Sanctuary, as well as court costs, fees, and assessments.

Both have been ordered to never have contact with animals and must wear ankle monitors.

“Everyone deserves to be safe in their own home, and we’re glad to have given that to these four abused dogs. Animal abuse of any kind should be reported and dealt with seriously, and we’re glad to have supported the rescue and pursuit of justice for these victims.”

- Sharon Stone, Operations Manager at In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary

Please take a moment to learn more about the work we do to help animals at Hope Animal Sanctuary and through our Justice for Animals campaign.

“We commend law enforcement and Judge Alan Lancaster for working hand in hand with animal advocates and showing zero tolerance for abusers. Violence to animals and humans is entwined and we are grateful that the whole community has been considered and protected by the lengthy restrictions placed on the Bobbits. When animal advocates support legislators and law enforcement to pass strong sentences like this one, it deters other animal abusers from striking.”

- Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner with In Defense of Animals

Donations to ensure justice for abused animals and to provide sanctuary for neglected animals are always needed and appreciated greatly.