CHARLESTON – In Defense of Animals, an international animal advocacy organization that operates Hope Animal Sanctuary and Justice for Animals Campaign in Carroll County, welcomes the conviction of a man who was charged with the starvation death of his horse.
Defendant Sandrius Bradford was convicted of the starvation death of a young mare on March 3. Justice Court Judge Steve Ross found Bradford guilty and fined him $1,000 in addition to $186 in court costs.
In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign Director Doll Stanley filed the affidavit charging Bradford with failure to provide the food and water to sustain the horse’s life. Cruelty to living creatures in Mississippi carries a maximum fine of $1,000 and or six months incarceration.
Stanley was contacted by the Tallahatchie County Sheriff’s Department after a deputy confirmed that a horse had starved to death in Enid.
“The horse found deceased on Bradford’s property was tethered on a barren hill and was not provided hay or grain for her sustenance," said Stanley. "I was disgusted when I found the mare lying, half eaten by animals.
“Crimes involving the starvation of horses are too common in Mississippi," said Stanley.
In Defense of Animals and fellow animal advocates and advocacy organizations are striving to rescue horses before they senselessly lose their lives.
"We are grateful to Judge Ross for treating animal cruelty seriously and deterring future crimes against animals by giving the maximum sentence," said In Defense of Animals in a public statement. "Heartbreaking animal abuse like this should never happen. If you know of any animal who is not getting proper care, please contact In Defense of Animals.”
