DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 15, 2024) — In Defense of Animals is sorely disappointed that the prosecution of a case against Dean Bell, who was arrested for torturing a cat, has been deferred.

In January, Bell was arrested on a felony animal cruelty charge after neighbors reported him spraying a caged cat with a high-pressure hose in 45-degree weather and repeatedly slamming the cage on the ground.

In Defense of Animals sent a letter to State Attorney R. J. Larizza with 14,704 signatures to our letter supporting Bell’s prosecution, asking for the package to be presented to the presiding judge during the sentencing phase of the trial.

On October 23, a deferred prosecution agreement was reached. Bell must not commit any crimes for 12 months, must complete 100 hours of community service at a Florida animal rescue, donate $1,000 to three Florida animal rescues, and complete the Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Curriculum (B.A.R.C). He will also have to pay a total of $100 to the state attorney’s office and Daytona Beach Police Department. 

“It’s disappointing that Bell won’t serve time for his cruel actions, but we hope the steps he will have to take as part of the agreement reached will help prevent him from harming animals and others in the future,” said In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner Doll Stanley. “Animals are protected under the law not only for their sakes’ but because of the link between animal abuse and human violence. Strong enforcement of animal laws benefits all.”

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

Letter:

RE: Maximum Sentencing for Man Who Sprayed Caged Cat With High Pressure Garden Hose

State Attorney R. J. Larizza,

I am writing to you in support of the prosecution and maximum sentencing of Dean T. Bell, Case #2024 100080 CFDB, who was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty after being seen sadistically directing a high-powered garden hose nozzle at a helplessly trapped cat, in 45-degree weather on December 31, 2023.

Unfortunately, the fate of the cat has not yet been established. When asked what he did with the cat by law enforcement, Bell refused to comment further. This is extremely concerning and likely means that the cat was killed off-camera.

Research has shown that the sadistic abuse of an animal and the vile treatment of fellow humans go hand in hand. We must respond severely against acts of animal cruelty.

He must face maximum charges that include the longest prison term and heftiest fines possible, undergo a mental evaluation, get treatment, and have his interactions with animals limited as much as legally possible.

I will follow this case to fruition and thank you for your service to the state of Florida.

SIGNED: 14,704 In Defense of Animals supporters

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin County, California, with over 250,000 supporters and a history of fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns since 1983, as well as its hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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