Abilene, TX: The voices of advocates were heard and a sentence for time in prison was handed down in the case of 42-year-old Larry Dollins, Jr. Dollins had confessed to stabbing the puppy named Taz 11 times and then throwing her in the trash, all because he thought the puppy had worms and he could not afford medical care. The sentence was handed down last Wednesday.
The total sentence handed down was 6 years 18 months and was based on two separate crimes. The crime of animal cruelty resulted in a sentence of 18 months and the 6-year sentence was in connection with violation of probation for an earlier 2007 drug conviction. However, the judge did order the sentences be served concurrently. (Source.)
The maximum possible sentence in connection with the crime of animal cruelty would have been 2 years, with 10 years as the maximum for the probation violation. While Dollins did not receive the maximum possible sentences, the fact that he will serve time in prison at all is a victory for advocates who raised their voices asking for justice for little Taz.
Almost 3000 advocates signed the petition seeking justice for little Taz. Since December, there has been what appears to be an increase in the trend of handing down sentences for actual time in prison in connection with animal abuse and cruelty cases. This is encouraging news for advocates everywhere, who hope this marks a change in the mindset of judges and lawmakers when it comes to animals being harmed by humans.
As reported here in the February 3rd article, little Taz recovered from her wounds and was adopted into a wonderful loving forever home.
Heartfelt thanks go out to all who spoke out for little Taz. She can now live a happy life and never fear being harmed again by human hands.
Click here for the January 29, 2012 article about the stabbing of little Taz.
Click here for the February 3, 2012 update about Taz's adoption.
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