Tyler, Texas – Two men accused of hanging a dog from a tree in an incident that prosecutors say was connected to a dispute over rent will not be resolving their cases through the plea agreements recently presented to a Texas judge.
On September 21, 475th District Court Judge Heaton rejected proposed plea agreements for Billy Darnell Perry, 33, and Jay Heath Stansberry, 17, who are charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals (torture), a third-degree felony.
The proposed agreements called for eight years of probation, a prohibition on owning dogs, and the maximum number of community-service hours allowed. After hearing details of the case in court—including the prosecution’s reading of the investigative report—Judge Heaton told attorneys he would not follow the agreement offered to Perry. When Stansberry’s case was called, the judge indicated he would likewise reject the same terms.
The Dog Who Lost His Life
The case began in April after a property owner near County Road 314 reported seeing two men on his posted private property. After chasing them away, he entered the wooded area and discovered a white dog hanging from a tree.
According to the arrest affidavit, Stansberry told investigators that Perry had first attempted to strangle the dog but was unsuccessful. Stansberry allegedly said he then helped Perry hang the dog from a tree using the animal’s own leash.
The affidavit states that the men said they killed the dog because their landlord had threatened to increase their rent because of the number of dogs at their home.
A dog should never have to pay the price for someone’s rent dispute.
The Plea Deals Are Rejected
According to KLTV, Assistant District Attorney Angela Faulkner told the court that Perry has no criminal history and that there are mental-health concerns involved in the case. Despite those considerations, Judge Heaton declined to accept the proposed agreement.
That means the cases remain pending, and neither man has been sentenced under the rejected agreements.
Animal Victory launched a petition calling for accountability in this case, including the maximum penalty allowed by law and a prohibition on the men owning or living with animals in the future.
The plea deals have been rejected. Now, we will continue watching what happens next for the dog who had no voice in any of this.
Please sign the petition and stand with this dog.
Add your name here: Sign: Tyler Men Accused of Hanging Dog From Tree to Dodge Rent Hike – Animal Victory
