Project Hope's Victories

Victory: Cole's "Owner" Convicted and Fined for Animal Cruelty

Abandoned dog was found chained to mobile home, starving and dehydrated

In our eNews on August 22nd, we reported that IDA-Project Hope Director Doll Stanley had saved a dog named Cole from a slow death at the end of a chain in the harsh Mississippi heat. Tied to a mobile home, Cole's family had abandoned him when they moved away, and he had been there for at least a week in 100 degree-plus weather with little shade, no food, and only a small amount of filthy water. Doll brought him to a vet, who determined that Cole's advanced heartworm infestation made euthanization the most humane option under the circumstances.

Still mourning the tragic death of this sweet, long-suffering dog, Doll filed animal cruelty charges against Cole's previous guardian at the local sheriff's office several days later. On Thursday, October 18th, he was convicted and ordered to pay a $250 fine, the vet bill, and all court costs. The defendant demonstrated just how disturbed he is by demanding the court return Cole's chain to him for sentimental reasons.

Doll is glad to see justice done in this case, but asserts that the penalty for killing a dog through neglect and abandonment should be more severe. "The maximum fine for an animal cruelty charge is $1,000 in Mississippi, but it's always much lower for a first offense," noted Doll. "Montgomery County Judge Donald Bond did an ace job with the sentencing under the circumstances, but I just think it's really sad that our state statutes are so weak: a few hundred bucks is paltry when weighed against Cole's suffering and the loss of his life. The laws need to be strengthened to effectively deter and punish animal abusers."

What You Can Do:

Learn more about IDA's efforts to save chained dogs from lives of neglect and suffering. Also support the important work of Project Hope by making a tax-deductible donation to IDA.

Read more about previous Project Hope victories