This alert is no longer active, but here for reference.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

A Louisville man has been charged with torturing two dogs and threatening to shoot his wife during an alleged domestic violence incident in Kentucky. Please urge prosecutors to pursue every applicable charge, seek the maximum penalties allowed by law, and protect Seven, Brooklyn, and their family from further harm.
 

Bobby Atkinson, of Louisville's Chickasaw neighborhood, is accused of attempting to set Seven and Brooklyn on fire during an alleged domestic violence incident on May 21, 2026. According to police and court records, both dogs smelled of an accelerant and were covered in ash. Seven reportedly suffered burned fur and open wounds.
 

Atkinson was charged with two counts of second-degree torture of a dog or cat, each carrying a possible prison sentence of one to five years, as well as two counts of cruelty to animals. He also allegedly threatened to shoot his wife, telling her, “If we didn't have a daughter together, I'd shoot you and stand over you.”

He was additionally charged with menacing and third-degree terroristic threatening. Atkinson pleaded not guilty, and Judge Julie Kaelin increased his bond from $20,000 to $50,000.

The alleged attacks on Seven and Brooklyn must be recognized as part of the violence inflicted upon their entire family. Kentucky law recognizes animal cruelty used to coerce, punish, intimidate, or take revenge against a family member as a form of domestic violence and abuse.

No one should be forced to fear for their life or endure the agony of seeing an abuser harm members of their animal family. Please urge prosecutors to pursue every applicable charge, seek the maximum penalties allowed by law, and secure protective conditions that prevent Atkinson from harming Seven, Brooklyn, or their family again.

Prosecutors should also seek a court-ordered mental health evaluation and require Atkinson to complete any recommended treatment. Any resolution must include a strict no-contact order barring him from possessing, keeping, living with, working with, or otherwise having contact with animals for the longest period permitted by law.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision makers: Commonwealth's Attorney Gerina D. Whethers & ACA Scott Drabenstadt

Subject: Seek Maximum Penalties for the Alleged Burning of Seven and Brooklyn

I am writing to urge you to pursue every applicable charge and seek the maximum penalties allowed by law against Bobby Atkinson for the alleged violence inflicted upon his wife and the dogs who are members of their family, Seven and Brooklyn.

According to police and court records, Atkinson allegedly threatened to shoot his wife and attempted to set Seven and Brooklyn on fire. Both dogs reportedly smelled of an accelerant and were covered in ash, while Seven suffered burned fur and open wounds. Atkinson has been charged with two counts of second-degree torture of a dog or cat, two counts of cruelty to animals, menacing, and third-degree terroristic threatening.

The alleged attacks on Seven and Brooklyn must be treated as an integral part of the domestic violence and abuse in this case. Kentucky law recognizes animal cruelty used to coerce, punish, intimidate, or take revenge against a family member as domestic violence and abuse.

Violence against animals and violence against people are deeply connected. No one should be forced to fear for their life or endure the trauma of watching an abuser harm members of their animal family.

Please pursue every applicable charge to the fullest extent allowed by law, seek the maximum available penalties and strong protective conditions, and take every available step to prevent Atkinson from ever harming Seven, Brooklyn, or their family again.

I also urge you to seek a court-ordered mental health evaluation and require Atkinson to complete any treatment recommended by qualified professionals. Please further seek a strict no-contact order prohibiting him from possessing, keeping, living with, working with, or otherwise having contact with animals for the maximum period allowed by law.

Thank you for your attention to this disturbing case.

Sincerely,

Signed

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