BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (Sept. 19, 2024) — In Defense of Animals condemns the outcome of the trial involving Joseph Olunwa, who was caught on surveillance footage viciously stoning his neighbor’s 1-year-old cat, Grayson. Despite overwhelming evidence, Olunwa walked away with a light sentence after being charged only with misdemeanor animal cruelty.

On May 22, Olunwa attacked Grayson, causing severe, life-altering injuries. The young cat suffered multiple eye injuries, a broken jaw, and extensive damage to his neighbor’s vehicle, where Grayson sought refuge. Grayson is now permanently blind, and his medical expenses have already exceeded $12,000, including the need for a complete dental extraction.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, including surveillance video, bloody rocks, blood on a fence where Grayson fled, and testimony from responding officers, Olunwa was handed a mere $500 fine and six months unsupervised probation. Baltimore County District Attorney David Walsh shockingly diminished the seriousness of the brutal case, offering a plea deal that failed to reflect the severity of the crime. 

Animal advocates gathered outside the courthouse during the September 16 trial, holding a vigil for Grayson demanding an upgraded felony charge. In Defense of Animals supporters sent 14,485 emails urging maximum prosecution, and Animal Victory has gathered 14,519 petition signatures, calling for Olunwa to face a felony charge, restitution to reimburse veterinary expenses, undergo mandatory mental health evaluation, and a permanent no-contact order with any animal.

“I feel utterly failed by the justice system which has enabled a violent offender caught red-handed to walk free without penalty,” said Grayson’s guardian Linda, who requested her full name be withheld for fear of retribution. “I was expecting DA Walsh to use irrefutable evidence to prosecute Joseph Olunwa for his violent and malicious attack on my cat, Grayson. We had a video, bloody rocks, blood on the fence, the responding officers' testimony from Olunwa, and a veterinarian’s report. Instead of offering support to a victim of crime, the DA dismissed strong evidence and made me feel like I was on trial.”

Olunwa’s shocking sentence has left Grayson’s guardian and the animal protection community outraged.

“This was a felony crime, yet the prosecution failed to pursue justice,” said Doll Stanley, Senior Campaigner at In Defense of Animals. “Prosecuting animal abusers is crucial, not just to uphold law and order, and get justice for the victims, but to protect future victims — both animal and human. The link between animal cruelty and human violence is well-established and connected to domestic violence, child abuse, and even murder. It is indefensible that Baltimore District Attorney David Walsh dismissed the evidence presented to him to support a prosecution. The one silver lining is that Grayson’s guardian can still seek compensation. We will continue to fight for justice for all animals who are brutally abused, like Grayson.

In Defense of Animals is urging people to file a complaint against District Attorney Walsh for his unprofessional actions and mishandling of this case. This shocking miscarriage of justice must not go unanswered.

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

Photos & Video: https://bit.ly/MDGrayson

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 41-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

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