This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

A vicious attack on a helpless dog was documented on a business owner's security camera. Join In Defense of Animals in calling for maximum prosecution of a man who carried a young, nearly limp puppy across a parking lot and proceeded to repeatedly stomp the puppy's head into the curb as the puppy tried to escape.

In late March, a businesswoman in southeast Oklahoma City discovered the brutalized remains of the puppy and she checked security footage, then contacted Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, which handled the investigation. A reward was offered to the public in the hopes of identifying the man. Before the arrest, Master Sergeant Jennifer Wardlow with the Oklahoma City Police Department said, “This is a very dangerous individual, we want to identify this person.”

An Oklahoma woman was subsequently rewarded with $2,000 for identifying her ex-boyfriend, the man in the video.
 

On April 9, 2024, officers of the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) arrested Larry Don McMillian on charges of cruelty to animals and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The allegation that he stomped the puppy to death prompted a background search. It was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for possessing a weapon in another case. His ex-girlfriend may have gotten due satisfaction from turning him in. She complained that he abused her and her dog.

When interviewed, ex, Sarah Looney volunteered, “He started getting that way (abusive) to me and then my puppy. People like that need to get help or not be let out of prison. I am glad he is locked up for what he did to animals, and for what he had done to me.”

The robust evidence against McMillian and the serious approach taken by authorities are encouraging. However, we must remain vigilant as the court proceedings begin. It's crucial to encourage and support prosecutors handling animal cruelty cases, which often receive less attention and much less consequence than human-on-human crimes. Your signatures show that public demand for justice is strong and this can and often does positively impact the sentencing phase of the trial.

Doll Stanley, our Justice for Animals Campaign Senior Campaigner, ensures the cases you support are prioritized, advocating tirelessly with prosecutors to focus on what the public demands.

Letter to decision maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Slayer of Deceased Sister-in-Law’s Dogs Must be Prosecuted

I am writing to you on behalf of In Defense of Animals, an organization committed to the protection and rights of animals globally. I am deeply concerned about a recent case involving egregious animal cruelty captured on a security camera in southeast Oklahoma City.

The case involves Mr. Larry Don McMillian, who was arrested on April 9, 2024, by the Oklahoma City Police Department. Mr. McMillian was charged with animal cruelty and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The footage clearly shows Mr. McMillian carrying a young, nearly limp puppy across a parking lot and brutally stomping the puppy's head into the curb as the puppy attempted to escape.

The seriousness with which the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare and the Oklahoma City Police Department have handled the investigation so far is highly commendable. As the case moves into the penalty phase, we respectfully urge your office to pursue the maximum sentence for Mr. McMillian. We also request a comprehensive psychological evaluation, treatment, and a lifetime prohibition from any contact with animals.

Such actions indicate a severe risk to the community and any animals who might come into contact with this individual. Indeed, his ex-partner noted that he had previously abused her and her animal companion. I am also concerned about his potential for future violent behavior, which often correlates with acts of animal cruelty.

Rigorous legal action in cases involving animal cruelty is vitally important since these cases often do not receive as much attention as other forms of violence.

It is imperative that our judicial system takes a strong stand against animal cruelty to advance our society toward fully and effectively prosecuting such acts. Historically, penalties for animal abuse have been insufficient, often merely slaps on the wrist that do little to deter future offenses. This leniency not only undermines the severity of the crimes but also emboldens those with cruel intentions, knowing the consequences will be minimal. We must change this trajectory and affirm that animals, as sentient beings capable of suffering and feeling pain, are worthy of our protection and legal advocacy.

Strong action in this instance will not only serve justice but also demonstrate a commitment to the protection of all sentient beings and the safety of all vulnerable members of our community. Setting this precedent in pursuing maximum sentencing for animal abusers is a crucial step towards a future where animal suffering is taken seriously and prosecuted vigorously.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I appreciate your dedication to justice and public safety.

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.