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Southerland and Harper to receive humanitarian award from In Defense of Animals

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Judge Marcie Southerland and Prosecutor Ken Harper.

Warren County Court Judge Marcie Tanner Southerland and Prosecuting Attorney Ken Harper will be receiving awards for their commitment to enforcing Mississippi’s animal protection statutes in connection with a case the Vicksburg Daily News broke in May.

In Defense of Animals, an international animal protection organization operating the Justice for Animals Campaign and Hope Animal Sanctuary in Carroll County, Mississippi, will present the awards Tuesday, July 21, at 2 p.m. at the Warren County Courthouse, 1009 Adams St. in Vicksburg.

“We honor officials who represent the citizens of Mississippi in enforcing humane laws and sharing unabashed compassion for animals who are victim to crime and suffering,” said Doll Stanley, who spearheads In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals campaign.

On June 15, Southerland imposed the maximum allowable sentence on Walter Stewart of Vicksburg, a sentence handed down by Harper on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, which was a misdemeanor at the time. The sentence included six months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The sentence exhibited the judge and prosecutor’s commitment to the prosecution of animal cruelty.

Stewart had slammed his girlfriend’s young dog on the hood of a truck during a domestic dispute. The dog, Kato, miraculously survived without serious injury.

With the passage of Senate Bill 2658 this 2020 legislative session, Stewart’s crime would be a first offense felony, punishable with up to three years behind bars and a $5,000 fine. Senator Angela Hill and her 13 co-authors will soon be presented with awards for their leadership in bringing Mississippi’s protection for dogs and cats in line with surrounding states.

At 9 a.m. Tuesday, Stanley will meet Kierra Buck and her dog, Kato, at Vicksburg Veterinary Hospital, at 1918 Baldwin Ferry Road to admit Kato to be vaccinated and neutered, giving him a healthier and safer future. Kato is now living with Buck’s family. Judge Southerland ordered that Stewart not reside with or be around Kato upon his release from jail.

“Kierra is a sweet woman who loves her dog,” Stanley said. “In Defense of Animals will cover the cost of Kato’s veterinary care for his well-being and to help Kierra through a time of trauma.”

For more information on In Defense of Animals, visit www.idausa.org.

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