Florence, SC - Just one month after leaving his dog to die in a crate that was left in the sun, Charles Bell has plead guilty to charges of animal cruelty and has been sentenced to a fine and jail time.
For the thousands that bore witness to the dog's suffering either via reading about her tragic death, or by viewing photos of her dead body, today's punishment seems inadequate.
Sadly, the $1092 fine and 30 days in jail (to be served on weekends), is indicative of the laws that are in place for charges of animal cruelty in South Carolina.The judge, Debra O. Jackson, also ruled that Charles Bell must surrender his other animals to animal control.
The death of the large, black dog on June 23 was unbelievable to most who heard the sad story. The dog had been left in the sun, locked in a cage, without food, water or shade, for days, until she finally perished in the heat. Her tragic story spread across the nation, especially via the social networking site, Facebook.
Support for the nameless, dead dog lead many to show up in the courtroom to bear witness to Charles Bell and the judgment against him. In fact, so many turned up at the hearing, that the courtroom officers had to turn some people away.
As for Charles Bell and his side of the story...he indicated that he is a true animal lover and that the deceased dog was actually in the care of his 15 yr-old son. In light of that revelation, perhaps the judge should have indicated that the son could not own animals either.
Bell himself said “I can only be judged by God and only he knows the truth,” in a statement to Morning Sun multimedia journalist, John D. Russell. In light of the brutal, senseless death of one of God's creatures while in Bell's care, there should be little doubt as to what will become of Bell on Judgment Day.
If you could use a smile and would like to read stories that are more light-hearted, please take a moment to view the following:
-
Home needed for kissing bandit
-
Happy ending for formerly abused German shepherd, Teagan
-
German shepherd nurses Russian cubs
-
Wine Tasting Raffle to benefit homeless Oregon Dogs
-
Dog dumped in desert finds angels to help him be whole again
If you would like to continue receiving dog-related articles, including news, tips and advice, please click the Subscribe Icon. It's free and anonymous. Thank you for reading and thank you for sharing this article with others.
If you have a story idea that you would like to share, please email me directly at Eims1@live.com.
Comments
Losers, losers, losers...The whole fam-damnly
Worse than losers... cruel, inhumane, scums. Thirty days?? To be served on weekends?? OMG! The judge will be judged on Judgement Day also.
He can try to convince himself all he wants, he was responsible for the suffering of this poor dog who is no longer here for a chance to live a good life with a family who cares. And if his son is as stupid as he is, both should go to jail for a couple of years just to send a reminder to other people who happen to think it's ok to leave their animals caged in the heat!
This story is infuriating and I have no patience for stupidity. When are the lawmakers going to wake up and put some teeth into these laws!
Well, Charlie is welcome to come to Arizona. I'll have a right fine welcome for the poor innocent lad. There is a box and plenty of sunshine just waiting for his useless carcass.
The coward even attempts to implicate his kid! What a stand-up guy. No personal responsibility for him. Cowardly scum.
that isnt good enough he should be tortured just like the poor dog was how bout throw him in the middle of the desert in the hottest summers and make sure there is no food water or shade for 30 days
What a sad day to say that you can just keep on mistreating animals and nothing will be done to you, but a slap on the wrist. Charles Bell, there will be a day when you will trully be judged....and you may not come out so lucky. Maybe there will be a hot cage for you with no water waiting.
The judge, I don't know how she will be able to sleep at night after such a decision. Guess you didn't realize that the whole world was watching your decision.
Time to wake up America!
I suppose this man couldnt see the dog. Apparently the rest of the town could. Liar and cruel scum. No excuse for this
Even in spite of international outcry, they couldn't impose a stiffer penalty. Says a lot for South Carolina...aside from a legal system that's already flawed when it comes to animal suffering. An absolute travesty.
Until the punishment fits the crime this won't stop. For serious things lets bring back PUBLIC FLOGGING !!
The fact the judge takes this crime so lighly would make him the first to be flogged, then the man, the mother and then the son.
The entire family is trash and should not be able to own ANY pets, even a goldfish,forever
This was not, according to the newspaper article, the stiffest fine that could have been imposed. What the HELL was that judge thinking? Maybe this case, with its national following, will wake up the South Carolina legislature, and they will stiffen up the penalties for animal cruelty. The neighbors were imploring this man to help the dog, and he refused. This was not neglect, it was deliberate sub-human sadism.
Nobody did anything during all these months??? Who are the sickos?
There will be a judgement day for the Judge too. It amazes me how people can put so little value on a life. Remember South Carolina come election time that Judge Debra O. Jackson does not value life!!! Vote her out
This judge is a poor excuse for a bringer of justice. This country needs stricter punishment for animal cruelty, and it looks like it should start with South Carolina! I hope the person who shares his jail cell is an extremely large man who loves dogs.
I drove there from Myrtle Beach, got there at 9:30 & was told I couldn't wear shorts in the courthouse. I quickly went to Walmart to buy pants, changed in the car & when I got into the courthouse, they said the courthouse was full. I burst into tears! I waited for the outcome & was outraged! Charles Bell sentenced an innocent dog to death, yet the judge sentenced a guilty man to a small fine and a few days in jail? There is no justice! Please join South Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare on Facebook. We need to change these laws so EVIL people like Bell do not get away with horrific crimes against and murder of innocent animals.
Guys, this was the third, yes THIRD, animal cruelty case this jackass has been convicted of! This is a pathetic example of the pervasive inequity of the justice system when it comes to cases like this. A slap on the wrist for a third offense? Gimme a friggin' break.
The most disgusting part of this sad scenario is that this is Bell's third animal cruelty charge!
Animal Rights Examiner: Michele Gwynn
Previously, he had been cited for animal cruelty when he was found with two pit bulls locked in a cage filled with feces. He was ordered to surrender the animals. After that incident alone, Bell should have been prohibited from ever owning an animal again, but he was not.
Correction. He wasn't cited for the pit bulls. He surrendered the animals in lieu of a citation. Still, this proves a history of animal cruelty and should warrant a stiffer judgment.
I volunteer to euthanize him and his family.
I always have believed, an eye for an eye. Let this man suffer as the poor dog did. Did the judge order him never to own another
animal again? If not it is only a matter of time before this scumbag will harm another animal, or maybe this time he will have graduated to harming a child????? What was that judge thinkg? Maybe she was late for a lunch date?
i hope he is in a cell with a BIG dog love who will show him some "justice". this pondscum does not deserve 2 have an animal EVER again..............
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!