We are sorely disappointed that the prosecution of a case against Dean T. Bell, who was arrested in Daytona Beach, Florida for torturing and likely killing a cat, has been deferred. This means the defendant instead got a plea deal and escaped justice.

In January 2024, Bell was arrested on a felony animal cruelty charge after neighbors reported him spraying a caged cat with a high-pressure hose in 45-degree weather and repeatedly slamming the cage on the ground. The cat was never seen again.

We sent a letter to State Attorney R. J. Larizza with the contact details for 14,704 In Defense of Animals supporters who signed onto our letter supporting Bell’s prosecution, arguing for the strongest possible prosecution and asking for the petition package to be presented to the presiding judge during the sentencing phase of the trial.

That didn’t happen. Instead, on October 23, 2024, a deferred prosecution agreement that was incredibly weak was reached. Bell must refrain from committing any crimes for 12 months, complete 100 hours of community service at a Florida animal rescue (which means the poor animals and staff and volunteers will be in the presence of a morally depraved monster), donate $1,000 to three Florida animal rescues, and complete the Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Curriculum (B.A.R.C). He will also have to pay a paltry total of $100 to the Florida State Attorney’s Office and the Daytona Beach Police Department. 

If you’re disappointed in State Attorney R. J. Larizza’s handling of this case, please politely let him know:

Phone: 386-239-7714

Email: larizzar@sao7.org 

Physical mail: 

RJ Larizza
State Attorney's Office
251 N. Ridgewood Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114 

We understand your extreme disappointment that mirrors how we feel and we hope you’ll find the time to register your disappointment. We very much wish that things had been settled differently with a long prison sentence. Dean T. Bell won’t serve time for his cruel actions, but we hope the steps he will have to take as part of the agreement reached will help prevent him from harming animals, including human animals, in the future. Animals are protected under the law not only for their sakes but because of the link between human and other animal abuse. Strong enforcement of animal laws benefits all.

You can learn more about what we do to support animal victims of crime and also how you can help with just a few moments of your time. Thank you for caring.