Puppy Burned, Beaten and Left for Dead Inspires New Legislation

Last August an eight-week old pit-bull shepherd mix was found by a passer-by in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. She had second and third-degree burns covering more than 60 percent of her body, along with a broken jaw and teeth. More than 300 maggots found on her body left vets to conclude she had been left for dead two weeks prior.

Despite the severity of her injuries, the puppy who has since been named Susie, fought to live and was lucky enough to get taken in by the Guilford County Animal Shelter, receive extensive vet care and find a new loving home.

While what would push someone to commit these acts of cruelty is unfathomable to most people the guilty party here, Lashawn Whitehead, then 20, gave the explanation that the dog jumped on the couch next to his newborn and he just “lost it.” Yes, this man has a newborn baby too.

Whitehead was sentenced in March and received probation for animal cruelty and six-eight months in jail for setting personal property on fire. Despite the disturbing nature of the crime, the state’s laws currently only call for probation for a first offense.

Disappointed by the outcome of the sentencing, Susie’s supporters set out to gain support for tougher penalties for animal abusers in North Carolina with Susie’s Law, S.B. 254. Community members wrote lawmakers and canvassed neighborhoods with information packets about new legislation that would make animal abuse a Class F felony, which would allow judges to hand out a jail sentence to those convicted. Animal cruelty is currently a Class I felony, which doesn’t include jail time.

Advocates of the law are also pushing for tougher laws against animal abusers with the sentiment that it’s something that can benefit children and families as well. Animal abuse is a well-known predictor of violence towards humans and other crimes.

A few state representatives stepped up to sponsor the bill that passed the Judiciary III Committee and House of Representatives unanimously with bipartisan support this week. Susie’s Law is now on its way to the state Senate where it will either be sent on to the governor for a signature, or sent back to committee. If it’s signed into law, it will take effect on December 1.

Meanwhile, Susie’s reportedly working on campaigning for the law in her honor, in addition to training to be a therapy dog who will visit burn units, among other facilities.

Visit North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare for more information on how to help.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Anne A.

1:57PM PDT on Jun 12, 2011

Knowing that animal abuse is a well-known predictor of violence towards humans and other crimes, I hate to think what Lashawn Whitehead would do to his child if it jumped on the couch or bed. Violence is violence, regardless whether it is toward a human or animal, and these abusers must be punished!

send a green star

Past Member .

7:55PM PDT on Jul 7, 2010

If he did this to an animal , what about his newborn????? Is he going to" lose it with his off spring???? Probably just a matter of time.

Tricia H.

5:19AM PDT on Jun 30, 2010

The man who did that to that puppy? I wouldn't even let him alone with his child. He is a very sick man. I say JAIL!!!

Jean D.

5:16PM PDT on Jun 28, 2010

First, Thank you Governor Perdue for signing the bill into law. Bravo to all those who sponsored the bill.
God Bless little Susie.

Judy K.

7:37AM PDT on Jun 26, 2010

Thanks to Gov. Beverly Perdue, for signing "Susie's Bill."
I hope LaShawn's kid has a better life. And that he produces no more children! And the Law will not allow him to have another pet.
He probably brought the "Pit" to be a tough dog, until it jumped on the couch, as any normal puppy would do that likes children. Then he no longer wanted a "mean dog" and took it out on her. Just Losing It, is no excuse the judge in this case and others "should Just Lose it, too" and send them up for more than a year!

Colleen G.

7:40AM PDT on Jun 25, 2010

yes for Susie and other dogs!

Devorah S.

4:56PM PDT on Jun 15, 2010

OF COURSE YES. HOW COULD SOMEBODY BE SO CRUEL. ANIMALS ARE LIVING BEINGS AND NO LIVING BEING SHOULD BE TREATED THIS WAY.

Beng Kiat L.

12:48AM PDT on Jun 14, 2010

Thanks

Kenneal P.

10:32AM PDT on Jun 13, 2010

How could he be so cruel???? ANIMALS SHOULD BE TREATED FAIRLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I BET HE WOULDN'T LIKE IT IF THE PUPPY DID THAT TO HIM!!!!!!!!!!!
UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(

Inez Deborah A.

8:43AM PDT on Jun 13, 2010

One must bring to justice all animal abusers worldwide REMEMBER HANZHENG, CHINA THEY BEAT TO DEATH 30,000 DOGS THERE AND THREW THEM HALF-ALIVE TO BE BURNT IN FIRES BECAUSE THE LOCAL FARMERS HAD FORGOTTEN TO VACCINATE THEIR DOGS AND WERE NOT PREPARED TO GO FOR AN IMMEDIATE ANT-RABIES INJECTION ON BEING BITTEN THERE SHOULD BE AN INTERNATIONAL UN STATUTE FOR CRIMES AGAINST ANIMALS AND NO STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON IT