Covington, LA (December 26, 2019) – In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization that operates Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, MS, and the Justice for Animals Campaign in Winona, has presented a letter to 22nd Judicial District Attorney Warren Montgomery with over 12,000 signatures supporting his prosecution of those involved in the monstrous act of sawing a helpless dog’s legs off.

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign Director Doll Stanley met with District Attorney Warren Montgomery on December 16th to present him with In Defense of Animals’ letter in support of the prosecution of a mother, her juvenile daughter, and the daughter’s friend for the heinous crime of sawing the back legs off of their dachshund-chihuahua mix dog, Buddy.

“I want the thousands of people who signed a petition on behalf of Buddy to know that the petition was delivered to me personally, and your voices have been heard. I understand your outrage and appreciate the concern you have demonstrated for Buddy. As I’ve said previously, my office will not tolerate violence in any form, whether it is against a human or animal. We have taken this case seriously from the start. I’ve assigned two dedicated members of my staff to this case, and they are working very hard to investigate and prosecute it fully,” said Montgomery.

Buddy was discovered lying in the rain in a Slidell, LA mobile home park near Highway 11. His anonymous rescuer rushed him to Lakeshore Veterinary Hospital in Mandeville for treatment.

An ensuing investigation led to the arrest of the as-yet-unidentified mother, her 17-year-old daughter, and her daughter’s 17-year-old friend by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Department.

The daughter claimed that Buddy was shot in February, causing paralysis and that Buddy’s legs fell off because they had become sore from the tight bandages she or her mother wrapped his legs in. Buddy required a blood transfusion, and his attending veterinarian, Dr. Lee Capone, DVM, discovered that two bullets were lodged in Buddy’s back, but they had not caused him paralysis. Buddy did have use of his nubs.

Dr. Capone further stated that it was his opinion that Buddy’s legs were “maliciously removed,” possibly with a hacksaw.

The mother was arrested, and charged with animal cruelty for not providing medical treatment for her dog. The daughter was charged with aggravated animal cruelty for admittedly severing Buddy’s back legs off and was detained in the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center in Covington. Her friend was charged with animal cruelty and released, after admitting to abandoning Buddy in the mobile home park.

A charge of simple animal cruelty, LA R.S. 102.1 (2) (a.) carries a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine, six months incarceration, or both, and the convicted perpetrator may not be involved with or have animals for a period determined by the court.

A charge of aggravated animal cruelty LA R.S. 102.1 (2) (b.) carries penalties of $5,000 - $25,000, one  to ten years incarceration, 40 hours of community service, psychological evaluation and treatment if so determined, and an order not to have or to be involved with animals for a term stipulated by the court. 

Buddy in wheelchair CREDIT: Buddy the little dog that survived/Facebook

Buddy was cared for by Dante's Hope Animal Rescue East. He now uses a wheelchair to move about which he will need for the rest of his life.

As the juveniles involved in this case may not be identified, the mother’s identity has not been disclosed. In Defense of Animals will follow the outcome of this case if the findings can be made public.

In Defense of Animals works with officials and citizens in Mississippi and the surrounding states with information on how to resolve recurring animal protection issues, including the revision and establishment of just and viable laws to protect animals and their environment.

In February of 2020, In Defense of Animals will have served in Mississippi for 27 years.

Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

Images: Crediting info in filenames http://bit.ly/SawedDog

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In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 36-year history of protecting animals’ rights, welfare and habitats through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org

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