BALTIMORE COUNTY, M.D. (Aug. 2, 2024) — In Defense of Animals and Animal Victory are urging Baltimore County State Attorney Scott Shellenberger to update the charges against Joseph Olunwa, who was caught on surveillance footage stoning his neighbor Linda Smithery’s 1-year-old cat, Grayson. Despite overwhelming evidence and public outcry, Olunwa has been charged with a misdemeanor instead of a felony, which is an inadequate response to the severity of his actions.

The attack on May 22 left Grayson with severe, permanent injuries, including multiple injuries to his eyes, a broken jaw, and damage to Smithery's vehicle, under which Grayson was trying to hide. Grayson was permanently blinded and is on a long road to recover from the savage beating. All of his teeth must be removed and his medical treatment is estimated at over $12,000. 

The assault has also caused significant emotional trauma to Smithery’s daughter, who is Grayson's guardian, especially during a time when the family was already grieving the loss of their father. Having recently arrived in the neighborhood, they feel they must move again to feel safe.

In Defense of Animals and Animal Victory commend Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough for the prompt arrest of Olunwa following the incident, acknowledging the swift action taken to address this act of cruelty. However, both organizations emphasize the necessity for State Attorney Scott Shellenberger to amend the charges to reflect the seriousness of the crime.

“County Police Chief Robert McCullough’s actions have been commendable to swiftly apprehend this violent offender, but the judicial response has to match the severity of the crime committed against Grayson,” said Doll Stanley, Senior Justice for Animals Campaigner for In Defense of Animals. “A misdemeanor charge does not convey the gravity of this cruel act or accurately reflect Maryland’s laws. We are grateful for the community's overwhelming support, and urge prosecutor Shellenberger to amend the charges to a felony and ensure justice is served. Those who violently abuse animals are a danger to all of society.”

In Defense of Animals supporters sent 14,485 emails and Animal Victory has gathered a petition with an additional 14,519 signatures.

Janelle Babington, CEO of Animal Victory said, “I absolutely think the perpetrator should have been charged with the felony ‘Aggravated cruelty to animals.’ We have sent our petition to the district attorney and asked why the misdemeanor and not a felony. If it’s a felony, and it surely seems like it is according to the Animal Protection Laws of Maryland, I can only assume it’s a first-time charge — in which case reduced to a misdemeanor.”

Smithery has also spoken out about the incident, expressing her deep disappointment with the misdemeanor charge. 

“A misdemeanor is a slap in the face to us after all Grayson, my daughter, and our family is going through,” Smithery stated. “Grayson's attacker has shown no remorse. I pray to God that the prosecutor takes heed of the petition and 15,000 emails sent by the public and prosecutes the maximum sentence instead of giving him a smack on the hand. Anyone who hurts an animal should face severe consequences.”

The petition, spearheaded by In Defense of Animals and Animal Victory, along with 15,000 emails from concerned citizens, is a testament to the public's demand for justice for Grayson. The case highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws and underscores the importance of treating animal abuse with the severity it deserves.

In Defense of Animals and Animal Victory will continue to advocate for justice for Grayson and all animals subjected to cruelty. They urge supporters and animal advocates to remain engaged and vocal in demanding accountability and justice.

### NOTES ###

CONTACTS: 

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

IMAGES: https://bit.ly/MDGrayson

ACTIONS:

Animal Victory Petition signed by 14,519 people:

We the undersigned demand Joseph Afamefuna Olunwa be held accountable for his violent, cruel actions. This man brutalized a family’s innocent cat, causing him severe pain and suffering. Olunwa must be arrested, charged with animal cruelty, and sentenced appropriately for this crime. Additionally, we demand this man undergo a mental health evaluation given the sadistic nature of the crime. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for the maximum penalty allowed by law. 

In Defense of Animals email sent by 14,485 people:

Subject: Man Who Stoned Neighbor’s Cat Causing Life-Threatening Injuries Deserves Maximum Sentencing

Dear County Police Chief Robert McCullough and State Attorney Scott Shellenberger,

I am writing to support the arrest and prosecution of Joseph Olunwa who was caught on surveillance footage stoning Grayson, a cat who belonged to his neighbor Linda Smithery.

Olunwa’s actions resulted in serious injury to Grayson, which veterinary records state included severe damage to his eyes and a broken jaw. The cost for treatment is already over $2,000 and Grayson still needs more intensive care and a jaw surgery estimated to cost $10,000 alone. Olunwa also caused damage to Smithery’s car, which Grayson was hiding under.

This disturbing incident has caused severe trauma to Smithery’s daughter, who was already grieving the loss of her father, and has left them in a living situation where they don’t feel safe. It’s incredibly disappointing that members of the community are left to deal with the aftermath of situations like this, while little is done to address criminal behavior.

Olunwa must be held accountable for the harm he caused. He should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent for his callous actions, for which he has expressed no remorse, and be mandated to undergo a mental health evaluation and treatment. He should also be mandated to reimburse veterinary costs and not be allowed near animals ever again.

I hope to learn that your office is taking steps to address this incident and will be following up. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signer’s Name

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is the nation's preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals, dedicated to protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

### ENDS ###