LOUISVILLE, Miss. (August 25, 2021) – In Defense of Animals, an international animal advocacy organization that operates the Justice for Animals Campaign and Hope Animal Sanctuary in Carroll County, is applauding the conviction and sentencing of a man for the chaining abuse of two dogs and eight puppies.  

Today, Winston County Justice Court Judge, Honorable Mike Fuller found Stanley Montgomery of Louisville guilty of the grievous neglect of a German Shepherd and a Labrador retriever/pit bull mix mother and her eight puppies. Montgomery was sentenced to a $500 fine and a three-month jail sentence, suspended for all but two weeks.

On February 10, In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign Director Doll Stanley responded to a complaint that Montgomery’s dogs were neglected and had no shelter. Stanley supplied Montgomery with dog houses, and she and Winston County Deputy Dylan Alford aided Montgomery in placing his dogs where they would be shaded and protected. Montgomery said that his dogs went in at night and in inclement weather, a claim disputed by a community member. 

Deputy Alford assisted Montgomery in placing a collar on his German shepherd who was tethered with only a chain, and Montgomery was advised on how to keep his dogs from knocking over their water containers.

Deputy Alford and Stanley revisited Montgomery’s property on June 30, following renewed complaints about neglect.

As soon as Deputy Alford exited his vehicle, he noticed a putrid odor coming from the German shepherd’s neck. Montgomery had again tethered his dog without a collar, using only a chain which had cut into his neck and caused a visibly inflamed wound with infection.

A mother dog was tethered and was so emaciated that she was trying to keep her puppies from nursing.

Montgomery was asked to release the dogs into In Defense of Animals’ care for treatment and placement, and was advised that a seizure order would be obtained if he didn’t relinquish them. However, he refused and said that he would not give up his dogs even if he went to jail. 

Deputy Alford obtained a seizure order from the Justice Court, which was executed by Investigator Connie Hampton and Stanley. 

With the cooperation of Louisville Animal Control, the mother dog and her puppies were taken for veterinary care. An initial exam found that aside from being severely underweight and showing multiple signs of malnutrition that were not a result of nursing, she was also suffering from internal and external parasites and had a dark ring around her neck where she had been chained.

This German shepherd was abused by Stanley Montgomery and saved by Doll Stanley with the aid of Winston County law enforcement. He has been named Winston in their honor, and a loving forever home awaits him. Photo: In Defense of Animals

Montgomery had removed the German shepherd, who was later seized on August 9 during another seizure carried out by Deputies Joel Triplett and Cliff Moore at a nearby property. The dog has been named Winston in honor of the team of officers who aided him, and he has now been placed in a loving forever home.

On August 25, Montgomery was sentenced. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine and will serve two weeks in jail. He also received a three-month suspended sentence that he will have to serve if he’s found with another dog in his possession. 

“We’re grateful to the Sheriff's Department and witness for their professionalism,” said Stanley. “At least now these dogs will get a chance to live as members of a family, and get the love and care they deserve.”

Stanley is fostering Louise and has found loving new homes for her puppies by collaborating with organizations in Louisville and Starkville.

“Tethering can lead to expensive fines, vet bills, and jail time. Tethered dogs also pose a bite risk for children and adults, which can lead to costly hospital bills and lawsuits. Chaining your dog isn’t worth the risk. Bring your dog inside or give them a shelter and fence. I have served this community for decades and will help anyone untether their animals,” added Stanley.

The Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law of 2011 makes it a misdemeanor to “intentionally or with criminal negligence wound, deprive of adequate food, water, or shelter, or carry or confine in a cruel manner, any domesticated dog or cat.” Doing so is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign has saved thousands of animals assisting through cruelty investigations, strengthening of laws, and enforcement of animal cruelty statutes and ordinances in the mid-south for 29 years.

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

Images: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWf4vFh

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 38-year history of protecting animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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