Tunica County deputies are asking the public to help track down whoever shot a small dog named Major at his home in the Walnut Lake Road area about two weeks ago. The Tunica County Sheriff's Office has released photos of Major and says the case remains an active investigation. A witness reported seeing a white pickup truck leaving the area around the time of the shooting.
According to FOX13 Memphis, deputies said Major was shot at his residence in the Walnut Lake Road area and that they released the photo of the dog as part of the ongoing probe. Investigators have not announced any arrests.
What Deputies Say
A witness told FOX13 Memphis that a white pickup truck drove away from the area as the shooting happened. Deputies say the investigation is still underway and are urging anyone who lives near Walnut Lake Road to review doorbell, trail, or dashcam footage from around that time in case it captured anything that could help.
Legal Consequences
Mississippi law treats deliberate harm to domesticated dogs as a crime. Under the Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law, intentionally wounding a dog can be charged as simple cruelty, a misdemeanor that can bring fines and jail time, while aggravated cruelty committed "with malice" can be prosecuted as a felony with tougher penalties, according to the Mississippi Code. Courts can also order that mistreated animals be seized and can require restitution in cruelty cases.
How To Help
Per the Tunica County Sheriff's Office, anyone with photos, video, or information related to the shooting should call the sheriff's office at 662-363-1411 or submit an anonymous tip to Tunica CrimeStoppers at 662-910-0400. Deputies say they appreciate any help from the community as they work to find out who is responsible.
