Video: Advocates Question Animal Cruelty Sentencing

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HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI) — 70 year old Houlka resident Willie Davis plead no contest in the case of aggravated animal cruelty Wednesday, and the plea will cost him some money, but not his freedom.

Davis will pay a $1,000 fine, as well as an $812 veterinarian bill for his dog, Champ. A video surfaced in March of Davis tying a rope around Champ and dragging him with a truck.

The maximum sentence for the crime, which is a misdemeanor, is a $2,500 fine with six months of jail time.  Chickasaw County courts upheld the jail time, and ruled that if Davis is to commit a similar crime again, he will spend six months in jail plus a felony charge.

Chickasaw County Prosecuting Attorney Gene Barton said the aggravated animal cruelty charge was the highest they could charge.

“It’s atrocious that anybody could treat an animal like this…”, said Barton, “…its unfortunate that its a misdemeanor in the state [of Mississippi]….”

Animal advocates don’t believe prosecutors did enough in this case.

“He really didn’t do his job very well. He maybe said five words and didn’t really trial the case…”, said Animal Cruelty Investigator Summer Knight.

“It was a big disappointment, a big let down.”

Knight, who is starting the Mississippi Animals Rescued From Cruelty shelter, has spent much of her time lobbying to get the Mississippi animal cruelty penalties strengthened.

Knight was involved in the Senate Bill 2174, which would have made cruelty against a dog or cat a felony charge, did not make it out of committee.

“The Farm Bureau is our opposition through this whole thing…”, explained Knight, “…they feel that if they allow this to go through for dogs and cats, we could potentially come back and tell them how to slaughter their animals….our bill…was specifically dogs and cats.”

Knight also said legislators told her, “how can you vote for a law to be passed if judges aren’t utilizing the law that they have now…”

April McGehee, a dog owner, said “this isn’t any source of justice…it shouldn’t just be a slap on the wrist.”

Champ is currently rehabbing his injuries and is in foster care. Tupelo-Lee Humane Society Director of Operation Rachel Allred said once Champ is medically cleared and has heart-worm treatment, he will be put up for adoption.

Animal advocates held a vigil/rally for Champ at the Chickasaw County Courthouse in Houston to raise awareness for animal cruelty and also promote tougher penalties for animal cruelty crimes.

Barton said if you want the laws to change to contact your state legislator.

Davis and his attorney declined to comment.