Contact: Doll Stanley (662) 809-4483 doll@idausa.org
Images: http://bit.ly/StarvedDogJJ

Winona, Miss. (September 20, 2017) – In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization that runs the Winona-based Justice for Animals campaign has welcomed city officials sentencing of a Winona couple who starved their dog to death.

"This dog endured immense pain and suffering, and we are glad this was recognized by Winona officials," said Doll Stanley of In Defense of Animals, who leads the Justice for Animals campaign. "Winona has sent a strong message that the days of slap-on-the-wrist sentences for animal abuse are over. We encourage Mississippi municipal officials to end the sentencing lottery by strengthening state animal cruelty laws once and for all."

On Tuesday, September 19, 2017, Judge Bond acted judiciously in sentencing Mary Jones and Marquise Johnson of 403 Anderson Street for the starvation death of their dog. Animal Control Officer Tim Pearson discovered the decaying remains of the couple's dog while responding to a stray dog complaint on Monday, September 18. Mary Jones admitted that the last time she fed the dog was Tuesday, September 12 and she had not checked on the dog again until Saturday, September 16 when she found her dog dead.

Winona Police Captain Dan Herod made certain that the couple were charged under Mississippi State Statute 97-41-16, "aggravated cruelty to a dog or cat." Jones and Johnson were each handed a $1,500 fine, a year probation, and a six-month jail term with all but 10 days suspended. The couple have the option to perform 100 hours of community service with the Winona city pound and Winona Animal Advocacy Group, in lieu of jail time. Judge Bond took into concern the couple's children in determining the couple's jail terms.

"In Defense of Animals is working with judges, advocacies, coalitions, and municipal and state officials across the state to aid with the strengthening of ordinances and state statutes," stated Justice for Animals campaigner Doll Stanley. "I've known Judge Bond for years and know him to be a strong advocate for increasing penalties for cruelty to animals. I foresee this sentencing echoing throughout the state; sending a message to state legislators that a first offense felony charge for such egregious acts of cruelty is long overdue."

In September of 2015, officials of the City of Winona came under fire for the scant sentencing of Johnathan Thompson who pled guilty to burning his dog to death. A series of mishaps and a pathetic penalty for animal cruelty under the city's animal ordinance led to Thompson being fined a disgraceful $100 for burning his dog, $100 for keeping a "pit bull" within city limits, and $127.50 in court costs. City residents and animal advocates across the nation and around the world reacted swiftly to the unfathomable sentencing. While the Honorable Judge Donald W. Bond took much of the heat for his sentencing, the injustice was the result of the ignorance of state law on the part of the then animal control officer, the absence of the prosecuting attorney, and the fact that Judge Bond was not given any information in the case other than that the defendant was pleading guilty under the city ordinance.

Following the trial, In Defense of Animals' Justice for Animals campaign worked with Mayor Jerry Flowers and The City Board of Aldermen in the organization's bid to enlist city officials to amend the city ordinance to charge animal cruelty under state law, carrying the greater penalty for animal cruelty.

Mississippi State Legislators have so far failed to strengthen animal cruelty statutes for the protection of dogs and cats.

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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 tougher state statutes and meaningful regional ordinances that will protect animals when state statutes fail.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 30-year history of fighting for animals, people and the environment through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048