Preston Odle, age 18, and Levi Evans, age 19, have been accused of the torture killing of a four-month-old Saint Bernard puppy. Chief Randal Walker of the Dresden, Tennessee, Police Department said, "I believe it started out by them kicking the dog and breaking its ribs, then one of them stood on its head and pressed it into the ground," and the abuse escalated from there. The puppy died four hours after suffering its injuries, which included strangulation by hanging and a stab wound to the back. Mr. Odle stated he had been given the dog but did not want to keep it. They have been charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty, which is a Class E Felony, and are released on bond.
On his Facebook page, Mr. Evans said what he did was "very dumb and immature," but that does not begin to describe the horrific abuse the puppy suffered. Mr. Odle and Mr. Evans will appear again in court on June 13th. Please tell Mr. Thomas, the District Attorney for Weakley County, that these men must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This includes not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000), unless otherwise provided by statute. If a psychological evaluation and counseling are ordered, the cost is to be borne by the defendants.
Make an example that animal abuse will not be tolerated as it often leads to violence again humans. Do not allow these two men to get off their punishment easily, with a wrist slap of a plea deal, community service, or a light fine!
Dear Mr. Thomas A. Thomas, District Attorney General,
We, the Undersigned, politely but firmly request that you, as DA, seek full prosecution available for the charges of Aggravated Animal Cruelty against Preston Odle and Levi Evans. Animal cruelty should never be ignored as a crime, and these two young men showed a complete lack of feeling, empathy or decency in the actions that led to the tortured death of the four-month-old Saint Bernard puppy.
We ask that you not accept a plea deal, or barter for community service or a small fine. Mr. Odle and Mr. Evans need to feel the full force of the law with jail time and counseling. As adults, these young men need to completely comprehend the result of their depraved treatment of this helpless puppy.
Thank you for your consideration.
