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In what is both a huge victory and an upsetting outcome simultaneously, Caitlyn the dog’s abuser was given the maximum penalty allowed in South Carolina – but, it won’t be extending prison time he’s already serving on unrelated convictions.
William Leonard Dodson, the 43-year old South Carolina man who plead guilty to animal cruelty in the 2015 abuse of Caitlyn, was handed down the maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. However, having just been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on unrelated drug and weapons charges on Thursday, Dodson’s prison term will not be extended by an additional 5 years. Rather, he’ll be serving both sentences at once.
Calling Caitlyn’s ordeal “Hell on Earth,” Circuit Judge Markley Dennis handed down the maximum sentence allowed. “I’m not trying to be mean,” the judge told the North Charleston resident, “but I wish I could give you more.”
Prosecutors negotiated with Dodson’s lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Charlie Cochran, and Judge Dennis agreed to allow Dodson to serve the state sentence at the federal prison he’ll eventually be sent to.
Now, nearly 2-years after her horrific ordeal, Caitlyn has recovered from multiple surgeries, including having a portion of her tongue removed, thanks to incredible care by the Charleston Animal Society and supporters around the world.
Although her physical wounds have healed, Caitlyn continues to suffer lasting psychological effects, including trust issues around certain men. She is currently living with a permanent foster family that includes children and a canine pal named Oreo. The Charleston Animal Society will continue to pay for her medical care for life. The rescue posts updates about Caitlyn frequently to their Facebook page.
Through her ordeal, Caitlyn became an icon in the animal rights community and a face for a growing anti-cruelty movement. As a result of the worldwide attention she received, the Charleston Animal Society created The Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund to provide medical attention and outreach, assist in investigations, provide training to animal control and police officers, and to provide rewards for information leading to the capture of people that commit horrific acts of cruelty to other animals, like Caitlyn.
this piece of crap deserves much more time then 5 years. this should be added onto his sentence not have it run concurrent. Sorry to say this is what is wrong with our justice system Scum like this get away with this kind of cruelty and than people sick people know that if they do something like this they will get no real sentence thrown at them. 100% agree with all of the above posts I hope you get what you deserve in prison. I truly hope you rot in HELL
Wyatt
says:Prison Justice is real. He best not ever go anywhere without his posse. LOL
Kathleen Petrone
says:Hope the animal lovers there treat you the same!!
Rita
says:Too bad he's not going to serve the extra five years for the torture of an animal! But…inmates apparently don't like children and animal abusers. His 15 years in jail will not be a piece of cake!! Thank goodness.
Dog LIves Matter
says:William Leonard Dodson, I hope your new friends tape your moth shut while they sodomize you over and over for the next 5 years you POS!!!
Sallymae
says:I agree 100%. No animal deserves what this dog went through. I hope you are treated the same in prison. enjoy your stay. 15 years is a long time to regret what you have done although I doubt you regret a thing. People like you don't care about other living things human or animal. I hope you get what you deserve in prison over and over again.