Etowah County, AL – Two individuals have been charged with animal cruelty after a video of cruel treatment of a dog surfaced on social media, according to Sheriff Jonathon Horton.
On the morning of Saturday, June 29, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a video showing the mistreatment of a dog. The Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division began working on the case to identify the subjects involved. By late Saturday afternoon, all subjects had been identified, and the weapon used in the incident was recovered.
One individual, a juvenile, has been charged with animal cruelty in the juvenile court system. The second individual, Trenton Dewayne Sudberry, 18, of Gadsden, has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Sudberry is currently held in the Etowah County Detention Center, awaiting bond.
The dog, named Bullet, is back home with his family and is safe. Bullet will receive a full examination and is expected to make a good recovery, appearing to be in good spirits since his return.
Sheriff Horton expressed gratitude to the community for sharing information and providing tips that assisted the Investigation Division. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to work on the case until it reaches the court process.
“It’s unfortunate that animals are mistreated. Animals cannot speak up, so we have to make sure we do our best to take care of them and be their voice. Animal cases are just as important as any case we work,” stated Sheriff Horton.