Both Steven Sadler and Boots Stanley have pled “not guilty” to two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and conspiracy, according to ratemyhorsepro.com. Sadler and Stanley were caught after a video was posted on Snapchat of the two cowards engaging in the prolonged torture of an innocent dog – now named Justice – until he choked to death on his own blood. (For original article, click here.)

Many petitions were drafted in response to their dastardly deed – one of which was by Crossing Guardians, a nonprofit rescue organization. The petition (now closed) urged the prosecutors not to accept a plea deal or guilty plea from either defendant. The punishments faced by accepting a plea deal would neither deter them from engaging in the same kind of conduct in the future, nor other would-be animal abusers.

The petition, along with the proponents’ signatures and comments were downloaded, printed, and hard copies sent by certified, return receipt to the Morehouse Parish District Attorney’s Office, the prosecuting attorney of the the Morehouse Parish District Attorney’s Office, as well as the Mayor of Bastrop, Louis., The Honorable Arthur E. Jones.

Their torture killing of an innocent dog even offended the sensibilities of the Arkansas Dog Hunters Association. The Association released the following statement, which was published in ratemyhorsepro.com:

The Association Board met at a special[ly] called meeting to address the issues pertaining to the videoed execution of a dog by two association members in Ashley County, Arkansas. A resolution was unanimously passed condemning the event, terminating the membership of the members involved and committing the Association’s assistance toward a complete law enforcement investigation and prosecution. 

If Stanley and Sadler go through the trial process and each is found guilty of the charges against them, they face up to 10 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine, according to ratemyhorsepro.com. A preliminary hearing has been set for December 5, at which time the judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

In the meantime, Stanley and/or Sadler could still decide to offer a plea deal, which includes a guilty plea or a plea of nolo contendere. If the prosecutor accepts a deal that would lower the charge to simple animal cruelty, the consequences for their egregious act of despicable cruelty will be tantamount to high school detention.

Please continue to politely urge the District Attorney’s Office to reject any plea deal from either defendant; to prosecute them fully; and, if found guilty, to urge the judge to sentence both Stanley and Sadler to the maximum allowable in the State of Louisiana.

Relevant contact information:

• Morehouse Parish District Attorney’s Office, 100 West Madison Avenue, Bastrop, Louisiana, 71220; Tel: (318) 281-4907
• Prosecuting Attorney in the Stanley, Sadler Dog Torture Case, Morehouse Parish District Attorney’s Office, 100 West Madison Avenue, Bastrop, Louisiana, 71220; Tel: (318) 281-4907
• Mayor Arthur E. Jones, Bastrop City Hall, 202 East Jefferson Avenue, Bastrop, LA 71220; Tel: (318) 283-0250