HAZELHURST, Miss. (September 9, 2024) — In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization operating Hope Animal Sanctuary in Carroll County and Justice for Animals Campaign in Montgomery County, announces the indictment of Daniel Berthelette of Copiah County on Aug. 28, 2024, on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty.

On Sept. 24, 2022, the Crystal Springs Police Department arrested Berthelette for wrapping a wire around the neck of his neighbor’s dog, George, attaching it to his truck, and dragging George to death.

On May 9, 2023, In Defense of Animals Senior Campaigner, Doll Stanley, and Crystal Springs Mayor Sally Garland presented District Attorney Daniella M. Shorter with a letter signed by 17,328 advocates. The letter called for the prosecution and maximum sentencing of Berthelette for maliciously and heinously dragging his neighbor’s dog, George, to death on Sept. 6, 2022.

Garland embraced In Defense of Animals’ participation in seeking Berthelette’s  prosecution after personally launching an investigation with Public Works Director Russell Brewer which led to the successful identification of Berthelette as George’s brutalizer.

“We are mortified and our hearts are broken over the very idea that someone could tie a wire around a dog’s neck and drag him,” said Mayor Garland. “We are very grateful for the grand jury’s decision to indict Berthelette. We are a step closer to justice for our animals in Crystal Springs, Mississippi.”

On Sept. 14, witnesses reported to the Crystal Springs Police Department how they watched in horror as Berthelette stopped his vehicle to check on George, only to heartlessly continue dragging him. One witness attempted to aid Berthelette with releasing the whimpering and badly injured dog. Berthelette refused, saying, “I hate this dog,” before continuing his cruel act.

Berthelette attempted to dispose of George’s body in a city dumpster but was denied access. This led to his identification.

In Defense of Animals contacted George’s guardians, the Bush family, to assist them in gaining justice for the horrendous killing of their companion and best buddy to their son.

“The unwarranted killing of a neighbor’s companion animal is troubling enough; it’s unthinkable that anyone would wantonly choose such a vile manner to kill any animal,” said Stanley. “We are grateful to Crystal Springs Mayor Garland, City Prosecutor Campbell, Public Works Director Brewer, and Crystal Springs Police Department for tracking down the perpetrator and recognizing the serious nature of this incident. Animal advocates intend to see justice for George, his family, and all animals of Mississippi. We thank all our thousands of supporters who wrote to D.A. Shorter to urge her strong prosecution of Berthelette and anyone else who would commit such egregious acts. We pledge to do everything in our power to get justice for George and ensure animal abusers face the full extent of the law.”

In Defense of Animals will follow this case until justice is served. It is paramount that the legal system recognizes crimes like these are not just against animals, but against society itself. We call on all levels of the legal system to prevent such individuals from harming other vulnerable beings — both animals and humans — in the future.  

### NOTES ###

Images (free for use with credit to the Bush Family): https://bit.ly/Justice4GeorgePix

Contacts: 

Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483
Mayor Sally Garland, sgarland_2000@yahoo.com  (601) 892-1210 Office

Letter to D.A. Shorter:

RE: Prosecute Dog Dragging Case to the Fullest Extent

I am writing to you, standing with Crystal Springs Mayor Sally Garland and thousands of animal advocates, to support you in the prosecution of Daniel Berthelette, who was charged with heinously killing his neighbor’s dog, George.

On Sept. 6. 2022, Berthelette maliciously collared George with a wire, hooked him to the rear of his truck, and dragged him to his death. Berthelette’s gruesome crime was witnessed first when he stopped, either to see if George was still being dragged or if he was dead. The witnesses reported the truck’s license plate and the description of the truck to the police.

Berthelette was later turned away from a city dumpster when Public Works employees witnessed him trying to dispose of George.

The City of Crystal Springs investigated the despicable crime and Daniel Berthelette was arrested on Sept. 14, 2022.

This defendant deserves no plea bargains, no leniency, only maximum sentencing. Also, before he is released, he must have a mental evaluation and anger management classes or therapy and not be allowed to live with animals. I will be following each proceeding in this case. Thank you for taking this and all cases you prosecute with the seriousness they warrant.

Signed by 17,328 In Defense of Animals supporters

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

### ENDS ###