Atlanta, GA – A couple is facing felony aggravated animal cruelty charges for ongoing abuse that killed their dog, Hailey. Elijah Cox, 23, and Chakyra Stanford, 20, tried claiming their dog suffered devastating injuries from being hit by a car, but the truth was much more sinister.
Their pet had been subjected to unimaginable abuse that resulted in her hips, jaw, legs, and ribs being broken. A veterinary exam revealed inconsistencies with the “hit by a car” claim, prompting a deeper dive into how Hailey suffered such horrific injuries.
The Miami Valley Pit Crew rescue group tried to mend Hailey’s broken body, but even intensive veterinary care could not save her from the abuse she had suffered; ultimately, she had to be humanely euthanized. The rescue group outlined the severe injuries Hailey suffered, and how the difficult decision for humane euthanasia was made, writing:
After many sets of X-rays, CT scans, lab work, and a thorough evaluation by the orthopedic surgeon, it was determined that Hailey had absolutely no quality of life even with intervention due to the amount of breaks in her tiny body.
8 rib fractures, 2 broken eye sockets, multiple breaks in her spine, breaks in her front and back legs. The injuries were overwhelming. And to make matters worse, he stated out of all the injuries the only “new” ones were her legs. She had been battered repeatedly and for many months.
The determining factor in all of this was the break at the base of her head where cartilage and bone was protruding into her brain. Over time this would cause significant neurological deficits that would eventually end her life. The Dr stated he didn’t know how she was even still alive, and at that point, refused to proceed with any kind of surgical intervention, leaving us with the only option – to end her suffering.
As reported by WSBTV News, neighbors of Cox and Stanford told investigators they heard “whipping noises… and then dogs screaming.” Investigators scoured the couple’s social media accounts and found clues sufficient enough to secure a search warrant.
At their residence, the authorities found another dog with a broken leg, and items that were apparently used as weapons against the pets. The second dog removed from the home is recovering, and he has a new home.
Rest easy sweet Hailey – you deserved better.
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