The shocking discovery of more than two dozen dead and dying dogs in Lafayette County, Mississippi, has led to multiple animal cruelty charges against the property's owners. Demand maximum sentencing in this case!
 

According to the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office, on August 4, 2024, deputies responded to a possible animal cruelty case at a property belonging to Terry Pegues and his wife Charlotte Fant-Pegues and found several starving dogs and more who had died — “still attached to their collars and chains.”

When investigators returned and executed a search warrant at the property, they were able to rescue 20 dogs and take them to a veterinarian for evaluation and care, but sadly 10 more were found dead.

On August 7, Pegues was arrested and charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty and held on a $75,000 bond.

Within days there was a public outcry calling for the arrest of Fant-Pegues, who is vice chancellor of student affairs at the University of Mississippi. On September 9, she turned herself in and was released on a $75,000 bond. A grand jury has since indicted them both.

Fortunately, the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department doesn't hesitate to seek help from experienced animal advocates, and our Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner Doll Stanley helped review the evidence for violations of Mississippi's Dog and Cat Pet Protection Act.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Couple Who Starved and Killed Dogs Must Be Held Accountable

I’m writing to you to support the prosecution of Terry E and Charlotte Fant Pegues who have been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after dead and dying dogs were discovered on their property.

Their heinous disregard for the suffering of the scores of dogs chained on their property cries for maximum sentencing that includes incarceration, mental health evaluations and subsequent treatment, and an order to never have or interact with animals again for both defendants.

While § 97-41-16. Maliciously injuring dogs or cats contains a 15-year mandate prohibiting the interaction with animals by those convicted of aggravated animal cruelty, as there are multiple charges against the Pergues the 15-year prohibition must be attached to each conviction.

I will follow this case to its fruition and I thank you for taking this case and all cases presented to you seriously. Your service to the citizens of District 3 is invaluable.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.