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Defendant in Slaying of Jolene the Slain Pet Pig Not Even Subpoenaed

Defendant in Slaying of Jolene the Slain Pet Pig Not Even Subpoenaed

Family and friends of Jolene the pot-bellied pig gathered in front of Quitman County Justice Court holding signs demanding justice for her senseless slaying. Signs read "Justice for Jolene" and Kala Elmore, Jolene's guardian, held a sign with photos of Jolene dispersed between her message, "Imagine This Being Your Pet And You Come Home To Find Her Like This."

Court convened with the expectation that Illiah K. Webb, Jolene's accused shooter, would testify, be convicted, and sentenced. Unfortunately, that's not what happened. In the chaotic courtroom, at least half of all the defendants called for various cases were not in court and many had not even been issued subpoenas, including Illiah Webb. If subpoenas aren't even issued, defendants aren't even aware they're due in court!

The prosecuting attorney repeatedly turned to the courtroom uttering expletives in utter frustration at how poorly this case was being handled despite his wish to prosecute.

Judge Joe Brown issued one 10-day-notice after another for defendants who did not show. The court clerk was instructed to issue subpoenas for defendants that had not been subpoenaed.

At the heart of the case, is the code with a slap on the wrist penalty that the Mississippi Livestock and Theft Bureau advised Webb be charged under because Jolene was a pot-bellied pig, and "only" a "pet." Thus, her slaying was not charged under § 97-41-15. Maliciously injuring livestock, a felony. Instead her killer was charged under . Cruelty to living creatures, a misdemeanor, which carries a paltry sentence in comparison.

In Defense of Animals is fighting for the rights of Mississippians who keep pot-bellied pigs as companions. In the same county, the same judge hearing Jolene's case ruled that another guardian had to remove her pot-bellied pig from Sledge, Mississippi because she was considered "livestock." We are seeking equal justice under the law. If we are successful in facilitating the return of the second pot-bellied pig to her home in Sledge, we will begin combating ordinances that classify them as "livestock."

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