Daniel Berthelette of Copiah County, Mississippi, was finally sentenced for aggravated animal cruelty after he dragged a neighbor’s dog, George, to death. 

Faced with overwhelming evidence that would be exposed in court, Berthelette conceded to a last-minute plea deal, despite our hope for a guilty verdict at trial. Taking his age into account, he will merely be under house arrest with an ankle bracelet for one year followed by two years of supervised probation. He was also ordered to pay George’s family a paltry $1,000 in restitution and to donate $4,000 to All About Animals Vet Clinic.

On Sept. 6, 2022, Berthelette wrapped a wire around George’s neck, attached it to his truck, and dragged him to death. Horrified witnesses reported how Berthelette stopped his vehicle to check on George, only to heartlessly continue dragging him. One witness attempted to intervene and release the whimpering and badly injured dog. Berthelette refused, saying, “I hate this dog,” before continuing his cruel act until George was dead.

The City of Crystal Springs investigated the despicable crime, and the Crystal Springs Police Department arrested Berthelette on Sept. 14 after a city dumpster worker identified Berthelette as the man who had attempted to dispose of George’s body.

George in happier times

We contacted George’s guardians, the Bush family, to attempt to assist them in gaining justice for the horrendous killing of their companion and best buddy to their son. Our Senior Campaigner, Doll Stanley, and Crystal Springs Mayor Sally Garland presented District Attorney Daniella M. Shorter with a letter signed by 17,328 advocates calling for the prosecution and maximum sentencing of Berthelette.

Mayor 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 killer.

“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 Garland. 

The unwarranted killing of a neighbor’s animal companion is horrifying enough, but to kill any animal in such a brutal and callous manner is unthinkable. We are grateful to Crystal Springs Mayor Sally Garland, Public Works Director Brewer, and the Crystal Springs Police Department for tracking down the perpetrator, which showed an awareness of the serious nature of this incident. 

It is paramount that the legal system recognizes that crimes like these are not just against animals but also against society itself. We call on all levels of the legal system to prevent such individuals from harming other vulnerable beings — both humans and other animals — in the future.

Please help animals like George by getting more involved and donating to support our work.