Jerry Michael Summers, 46, has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty after beating two puppies with a baseball bat. Summers was taken into custody over the weekend and is being held at the Henry County jail on $1,000 bail.
Deputies arrested Summers after his girlfriend reported the crime to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office last Thursday. Summers told the deputies that he believed the dogs to be coyote puppies and Henry County Sheriff William Maddox believes alcohol was likely involved. The two puppies had to be euthanized due to the injuries suffered during the incident.
Cruelty to animals is a Class A misdemeanor in the state of Alabama and on the first conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars ($3,000) or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both fine and imprisonment. Repeat offenses are punished in the following manner:
- Second conviction:
- A fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than three thousand dollars ($3,000) or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both fine and imprisonment
- Third, or subsequent conviction:
- a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than three thousand dollars ($3,000) or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both fine and imprisonment
Animal cruelty offenses can also be elevated to a felony crime if it involves torture and the death of the animal.
If you or someone you know has been charged with animal cruelty, or any other violent crime, it is important that you contact an experienced criminal attorney to handle your case. The attorneys of Boles Holmes White are experienced in a variety of legal matters and have a history of success in the courtroom. Call to schedule a consultation today.
