Fighting For Our Fury Friends

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- It’s a crime that’ll break any animal lovers heart. Animal cruelty. Groups in Montgomery County though, are trying to change that and one group showed some appreciation to area law enforcement agencies who are helping defend those who can’t always defend themselves.

Across Mississippi, a handful of counties and cities are recognized for their dedication in defending animals from cruelty. Two being Winona and Montgomery County.

“For the city of Winona. We have tried to take care of our animals. Our Police Department is on call 24/7. If something comes up, they will come out in the middle of the night and take care of whatever situation it is,” said Winona Mayor, Jerry Flowers.

“You know, when you do damage to animals, cruelty, you know, you’re going to pay the cost,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Bubba Nix.

The organization In Defense of Animals, has never given out awards until this year. Both departments are honored to be in the company of departments who have gone above and beyond for their animals.

“It just makes me feel good on the fact that all the hard work and dedication of me and all the fellow law enforcement officers have put together to ensure everybody, all the animals are taken care of,” said Timothy Pearson with Winona Animal Control.

There is more work to be done, however. With the state legislator meeting in the next few weeks, Animal Control Officer, Tim Pearson wants to see some changes made to the consequences of those who are found guilty of animal cruelty.

“Stiffer Penalties, that’s the biggest thing. We had a cruelty case a couple of months ago, as the mayor said, and we charged them as hard as we could but it still wasn’t what the general public wanted,” said Pearson.

Pearson is not alone.

“I’d like to see the fines, you know, the penalty towards them. Give them some jail time,” said Sheriff Nix.

“More jail time, more fines for anybody who does anything like animal cruelty,” said Winona Police Chief Tony Bibbs.

The Mississippi legislature meets on January 2nd. In Defense of Animals tells WCBI that several lawmakers have prepared bills that could potentially benefit animals, if passed.