By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—A Paris man was placed on unsupervised probation on a reduced charge of animal cruelty at a hearing Friday morning in Henry County General Sessions Court.
Stan Wilson of Old Union Loop Road was arrested by Paris Police in July and charged with aggravated animal cruelty after a beagle puppy was found in a downtown dumpster.
At Friday’s hearing, Wilson appeared with his attorney Hansel McCadams of Paris before Visiting Judge John Whitworth of Benton County.
Assistant District Attorney Jerald Campbell told the court that the original charge of aggravated animal cruelty would require that Wilson’s actions had resulted in the death of the puppy which he said was not the case in this instance. Campbell said the puppy had been born a day or so before and was rejected by the mother and that Wilson had disposed of the puppy.
Campbell said someone heard whimpering from the dumpster and the puppy was taken to the veterinarian who said Wilson could have thought the puppy had expired when he disposed of it. Campbell said the vet also said the heat from the dumpster could have revived it the puppy.
“There are too many uncertainties” for a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, Campbell said.
In asking for his plea, Judge Whitworth reminded Wilson that even though he was being sentenced to unsupervised probation “you’re still on probation”.
The original charge of aggravated animal cruelty was a felony and the new charge is a misdemeanor. Wilson was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days of unsupervised probation, no fine and payment of court costs.
Judge Whitworth thanked Campbell’s office, noting he was aware “there was a lot of investigation that went into this case.” Campbell said, “Yes, three veterinarians were called into the case.”
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