This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

A man who didn’t even know the sex or age of his dog stands trial for starving her to the brink of death. The dog, now named Gladys Knight, had broken many of her teeth from eating rocks in her desperate attempts to live. Join us in demanding maximum sentencing for the unfathomable suffering this innocent animal who narrowly survived. 

We heard the full despicable details of Gladys’ chronic starvation at a hearing in Simpson County Justice Court in Mississippi, along with our friends at Rescue Revolution who were present to testify. 

Gladys was found severely emaciated and on the brink of death. She was scraping out her existence in squalor—there was so much trash in her 10x10 pen, you couldn’t see the floor.

Gladys was locked in the pen to die by her “owner,” Milton Craig. Craig reportedly threw food he didn’t want over the fence to Gladys. She had broken many of her teeth from eating rocks because she had no other food. 

Craig and his son fumbled their excuses for the near death of Gladys. One of the ludicrous explanations for the near-death of his dog was Craig’s claim that his dog, “James,” was 18-19 years old and that “he” was sick so he put him into the pen to die “peacefully.” 

“James” is now known to be a female and has been named Gladys Knight by her rescuers. Attending veterinarian Spencer Mills estimated Gladys’ age to be nearer to six years old and determined she was chronically starved. 

Gladys’ plight first came to the attention of a former veterinary technician who was working near Craig’s residence in December 2018. Zach Hawes spotted Gladys’ pitiful suffering, took a photo, and contacted the police department in Florence, Mississippi, but to no avail. 

In March 2019, a Facebook post by Rescue Revolution of Mississippi prompted Hawes to reach out for help. Hawes’ Facebook post was spotted by local newspaper owners, Nancy and Pat Brown. The husband and wife team turned animal activists to save Gladys. The Browns contacted Judge Charles Savell who encouraged Craig to release his dog. Miraculously, Craig agreed, and the Browns rushed to the address. 

Gladys’ prison pen was so overgrown with privet hedge that the gate was bound shut. The Browns managed to carefully lift Gladys’ emaciated frame and free her. She was skin and bones and clearly needed urgent medical attention. 

Although they believed Gladys would have to be euthanized, the husband and wife rushed her to the emergency room. Attending veterinarian, Dr. Mills said Gladys would not have survived another day. 

Gladys has now been entrusted to the care of  Rescue Revolution, and she is flourishing. Rescue Revolution will care for her until she is ready for her loving forever home with Zach Hawes, who first raised the alarm to Glady’s plight. 

Craig stands accused of aggravated animal cruelty which, according to Mississippi state law, carries a penalty of up to $2,500 fine and up to six months of incarceration. Judge Ted L. Blakeney has found cause for prosecution. 

Craig’s trial is set for June 6th, 2019—we must act right away to get justice for Gladys Knight and stop other dogs being chronically starved, neglected, and abused. 

Sign now to join In Defense of Animals in calling on Prosecuting Attorney L. Wesley Broadhead to call for Craig’s maximum sentencing for cruelly starving his dog. 

What You Can Do: 

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.