Two Men Shown In Video Laughing And Slitting The Throat of a Dog Are Given No Jail Time By Louisiana Judge

We have previously discussed how the sentencing for animal abuse in some states remains artificially low – destroying any real deterrence impact of criminal laws. That seems to be the case in Louisiana where Steven Sadler and Boots Stanley were sentenced for slitting the throat of a dog and posting the disgusting video of the action on social media. That would seem to easily warrant jail but Judge Carl Sharp gave them both probation.

Both men are from Arkansas and the men are heard on the video laughing.  The dog is first shown trying to stay on the rump of a horse ridden by Stanley.  The men laugh as the dog’s throat is slit, which took multiple efforts before the dog was ultimately killed.

They originally faced multiple charges of aggravated animal cruelty, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $25,000. Nevertheless, Sharp suspended the jail terms in favor three years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and 480 hours of community service. Moreover, by donating $5,000 to the Morehouse Parish Humane Society, the men can cancel half the community service.

So two individuals who not only brutally killed an animal for fun but proudly posted the video will be allowed to walk.  The sentence in my view makes a mockery of the criminal law. If these men do not warrant jail time, I am hard pressed to imagine when any conduct would warrant such a penalty.