Justice for Wanda – IDA obtains cruelty conviction, and finds Wanda a real home
February 16th, 2012 | 
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Wanda right after rescue
Precious Wanda and her sister were barricaded in the kitchen of their home and abandoned. A neighbor responded to the putrid smell emitted from the house and a sighting of Wanda trying to get out of the kitchen window. He broke into the house and discovered Wanda, starved, dehydrated, and forced to consume her dead sibling to survive.
The Grenada, Mississippi animal control officer (ACO) took Wanda to be euthanized. The vet called In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary (IDA-HAS) to see if we could help. IDA-HAS Director Doll Stanley took guardianship of Wanda and accompanied ACO Trey Waters to the scene of the investigation. After documenting evidence of cruelty, IDA pushed for prosecution. This Tuesday, just days after Wanda’s full recovery and adoption, her abuser was convicted of animal cruelty. Nakiyeh L. Townsend was found guilty by her own testimony.
Municipal Court Judge Jimmy Vance convicted Townsend of depriving Wanda of food and water and the death of her sister. Judge Vance chastised Townsend for the woeful neglect of her animals, asked her how she’d feel if he had her jailed and the jailer forgot to feed her, and told her he would have given her a 30 day jail sentence if she had counsel. He fined her $1,109 and advised her not to keep any more animals. This was a huge verdict for this jurisdiction in which the ACO had little confidence of a conviction and hadn’t been trained to investigate, document, or file a cruelty case.
Wanda & Jason
In other news, IDA’s Hope Animal Sanctuary completed another successful journey to Every Creature Counts in Ft. Lupton, Colorado. This transport was the opportunity for a lifetime in a loving home for 72 dogs and 3 cats. Sixty animals were adopted this weekend.
Among the cats was St. James, rescued in the seizure of 13 animals from a Carroll County hoarder. Puppy, Iceman and his 7 siblings were abandoned at IDA-HAS while staff was in town for supplies. Greta, Hamilton, and their 7 siblings were rescued from beneath a discarded slab of cement at the edge of the Carrollton, Miss. grammar school parking lot. Gillespie was accidentally run over by a truck. His surgery and recovery were in the hands of a MSU veterinary team. Dr. Bushby sought and delivered a fund to cover the cost of Gillespie’s recovery.
Tuesday was also a wonderful day for the 27 dogs and cats we took in since our return from Colorado Friday. The MSU student surgery team provided spays and neuters, freeing them from the heartaches of breeding – the many puppies and kittens they may have lost to starvation, parasite infestation, and the many other horrid deaths that await homeless animals.
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Posted in 57 Responses to “Justice for Wanda – IDA obtains cruelty conviction, and finds Wanda a real home”
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If judges are not allowed to step out of the box upon issuing sentences – then we do not need them, an automated system would work!
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. If judges are not allowed to step out of the box upon issuing sentences – then we do not need them, an automated system would work!
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”.
It must have been a horrible experience for Wanda to actually eat her sister. Dogs do not even like having to poop in the same house that they live in. What I am trying to say is this, human beings are forcing domesticated animals to revert to the animals that their ancestors were. I think that is punishment enough for them. I also believe that if an animal abuser wants to kill, neglect and allow animals in their care to be destroyed by their withholding food from them and gets only a slap on the wrist for that; it is a guarantee that they will do it again. A serial killer was being interviewed and was asked why they continue to torture and kill people. He simply answered, “because i can”. So, our society is enableing killers to graduate from animals to people because they can and people around them are making excuses for them.
correction to my last comment: appalled*
Hi, I’m back. I just want to make the judge’s position clear. Judge Vance was absolutely appauled at the suffering of the dogs. He would have given a tougher sentence. The reality was he had the law before him that he was to uphold. Judge Vance did not have the authority under Mississippi law to order Townsend not to have another dog, nor did he have the authority to charge her more than the maximum fine – couldn’t even give her a fine for each dog because the good samaritians who pushed last year’s felony bill had the same thoughts as many of us, it made sense. They didn’t forsee the cunningness of lawmakers in giving in to something they really didn’t want. Easy solution, give the people what they want – a felony law – give themselves what they want – a toothless lion. We have to think smart, move the masses to join us and work unceasingly for law makers who have the will and common sense to pass laws that punish the cruelty that should be common sense to all of us. And, when a Judge in a small community takes the bold step of giving a first time offender the maximum sentence he’s allowed appluad him. Judge Vance was not the problem, the bad guy. He was noble in upholding the law we the people allowed and held it to the highest standard. Judges are not there to make up laws, but to uphold them. It’s our job to pick the people who will enact just laws, not folks who smile while they plot a path of self service.
Serial killer all had been animals abusers. That crazy woman will do it again. She will be worst next time because now she is ungry against the rest of the world for being “punished”… if we can call that “dont do it again ” from de judge a punishment.
I agree that her sentence should have been at least 6 months in jail. Shame on her for knowing that this poor dog and her sister would be starving and locked up in this house. We MUST be more vigilent in defending poor defenseless, voiceless animals. Humans MUST be more kind. There is NO excuse for this blatant abuse.
All mistreating animals no matter for lab test, food chain, commodities must be sentenced those bloody murders whilelife in suffering painful as animals!
Can citizens with all Animals Saving Organization ( Peta,Care 2, Human Society …. ) against and push the Government ( Salaries gained from taxers )set a serious law for protection all animals.
Those murders ( eventhough food chain, e.g. Kentucky, Macdonald beef,chicken,pork, anything for food chain, mistreating animals )
They cannot kill a alive animals (e.g. skinning alive ( Seal from Canada ), ( Cats, Dogs, Fur from China , )Dogs food from Korea )
Must be used with law to protect and prevent from any bloody,cruelty.
We are human being with humane nature. Nowadays people are aware the enviromental protection, it’s successful, Law can be effectived,we must support animals saving with international power in saving those mass pitty animals! Can’t you, YES, YOU AND ME CAN, TRY OUR BEST TO DO IT!
I thank all of you for your responses. I’m in total agreement that the sentence didn’t fit the crime. I heard of a Judge in Texas that gave a woman a jail term with bread and water. We could still feel she didn’t suffer as she should have. The reality is we live in a mostly compassionate society that resists punishing people. Our permissiveness is over the top. We look for excuses for even violent behavior. While organizations like the ACLU have a strong role in protecting the rights of individuals our criminal system has sometimes become a stop gap for true justice.
That said, for those of you who have not worked the judicial system in our region my comments may be a rude awakening. I personally opposed the MS felony bill everyone pushed so hard for last year. Why? Am I insane? The facts are simple. All animal cruelty bills introduced in the House of Mississippi head to two committees, the Ag Committee and Judicial, usually Jud B. Who are the representatives in the Ag. Committee? They are people who have been appointed to the committee because they hold Ag interests. The majority of the members, vast majority, are heavily invested in protecting “Man’s Right” to “utilize” animals. The big industries in our state ate mostly animal related. Hunting is an addiction. I may know two people who hunt for food. The others hunt for “sport”. They buy the go anywhere truck, the 4 wheeler, the expensive guns, the works. The bill was passed, but in what form. A felony is a second offense related to a second event. Before the bill was passed you could file charges for each animal abused. Now you can file one charge even if 500 animals are involved. I got better convictions and truly slapped perps when their pocket book was whammed.
The truth is the probability of this woman paying her fine in the time allotted is scant. She will likely serve time. And, I can tell you with absolute certainty that most of the abusers I’ve dealt with would rather spend time in jail than pay a fine. The money means far more to them than the time.
It’s get back to the law. Are our representatives capable of compassion, seeking justice for cruelty? Of course, but you have to realize they believe that animal advocates are out to end hunting, fishing, the eating, and wearing of animals. I personally do not believe you can legislate these changes. I believe that awakening ones vision for a world of kinship with animals is a personal choice driven by ones personal experiences.
That said, in the 19 years I’ve represented In Defense of Animals in this region I’ve seen everything from a judge lambasting a woman who locked her pet shop and drove away leaving the animals to die and judges who have reprimanded the person who reported an act of cruelty. In my 19 years this is the second time I’ve seen a maximum sentence for a perp who had no council. This was a victory.
I hope that you have an insight into my thinking. Would I love for this woman to have spent time hungry and thirsty with the corpse of Wanda’s sister, you bet I would have. Would that happen in our society, no way.
Doll, being a long time supporter of IDA, I have known your work since you first started in MS. You are a true hero for the animals. I know how you suffered at first, how hard it was, but you persevered and have done wonders to rescue animals and educate people, as much as they can be educated in that area. Sadly, it is very common for people in this woman’s subculture to abuse and neglect animals. To see animals as objects, as trash that do not deserve to be fed or respected. I am glad Wanda was saved and feel sorry for her poor sister. How they both must have suffered. If would be nice if schools educated young children in the care and respect of animals.
I really don’t find this to be justice. This monster got a slap on the wrist because she didn’t have counsel. What does that have to do with the heinous crime she committed. To call this Justice for Wanda is saying that you believe this was all this girl deserved for the crime she committed. I’m very disappointed with IDA for feeling this way.
I’m incredibly sad that Wanda’s sister was killed. Can you imagine the pain and suffering she had to endure because of this POS? It would have taken quite a while for Wanda’s sister to succumb to being neglected and literally starved to death.
The sentence this judge passed down to this POS was not enough. When are we, as a collective society, going to start seeing that crimes like this are felonious criminal acts that needs to be dealt with as such? This giving mere slaps on the wrist are not going to be effective in putting an end to animal abuse, neglect, abandonment, torture and murder.
Personally I think we need … justice since our current system doesn’t seem to be working all that well.
I think a national animal abuse data base is one of the best ideas I’ve heard yet, plus publishing their photos and stories on the net so they can be humiliated and scorned would deter alot of these crimminals. She got away with a light slap on the wrist. She could have called the shelter and told them she had to leave the babies, she didn’t , jail time would have actually been too easy for her.
I find the slap on the wrist of this Judge for this abuser and “KILLER” horrible!!! If we don’t get tougher with these people who think animal’s are thier property and they don’t have to take care of them???/ The More abuser’s there will be.. Jail/plus big time fine and then no animal’s ever to be had by them!!! Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I should never … Rot in Hell!!!!
I think it is a brilliant idea to have a National Animal Abuser list sent to all sanctuaries that allow for animal adoption. SPCA – get on the ball and start this. Post it in the local post offices.
also. These abusers have to be humiliated before they would begin to give it a second thought. The woman who suggested that was thinking – Thank you for a brilliant idea.
Thanks to everyone for be Wanda’s voice, but I agree with others this wasn’t enough.
People such as this person must have some soul-sucking problem. There is no difference in the wretchedness we perpetrate – only the species is different. What we do to animals we also do to humans. And there is the argument – how do we discover the illness in a person? Psychological testing so a person will not have a child or adopt an animal? Too intrusive. Religious chest beaters will shriek. Yet, each day, babies and children are abused and die. Animals are abused and die. Somehow that we can live with. That is acceptable because humans must have their rights. What about responsibilities? What about realizing that to do what is good, and right, requires little energy. Think about the energy expended when a human decides to hurt someone or something – anger, rage, get a crowbar, a hot iron, open the oven and shove it in, fight with it because it does not want to go there, or be handled so brutally, the animal or child cries, that enrages us and we blame the animal or child for making “us do this.” Then, think how easy it is to fill a bowl with water, set food out, put out a hand in kindness.
She was given a very light slap on the hand , people like this are sick in the head, the judge who ruled this case might not really be a animal lover, who knows, we can hardly trust anyone, i had a neighbor who put a heavy short chain , tight around his dogs neck, no food or water and was gone for 7 days, i tried to feed the dog, he was angry, cold and afraid of me and me of him, the dog knocked over the bowl, could not reach the food on the ground, and i was afraid to get close, i called the sheriff, he came, and said to me i cant do anything because you fed the dog, i tell him look, the food is scattered on the ground, he did not eat. WHATS THAT<
Congrats to the persons responsible for first of all on the sucessuful conviction. Secondly thank you for standing up and giving Wanda a voice!
Animals all across the globe are cheering your efforts!
I think that this horrible woman got it easy she should have being sent to jail, for a lot more than just 30 days and the find should have being greater than what it was, if these horrible people that do this time of crime to animals don’t get punish heavy they will continue to do the same over and over, something needs to be done to stop the horrible crimes on animals. Does the judge really believe that this creep is not going to get another dog and do the same to him in the future, well then that judge should just retire
NO ! THE JUDGE SHOUDLD’T RETIRE …
Wonder if that Townsend woman would eat her sister if she was starving!!! …
I am going to have to “play stupid” on this one. The judge didn’t give her jail time because she didn’t have counsel?? When, in this country, are we going to start sentencing people that commit crimes against animals according to the severity of the crimes they commit? The outcome of this crime wasn’t an accident, it was premeditated and intentional. Furthermore, he only “advised” her not to keep anymore animals. What happened to ruling she could NEVER have another animal while giving that ruling some “teeth” with consequences to face when/if she violates it?
Totally agree with the comments that this wasnt enough
I swear if I witnessed anything like this … People like Ms. Townsend shouldn’t be permitted … Thank goodness Wanda has a loving home now.
Jail time is a humanity stripping experience and since this woman showed no humanity to the animal souls in her care, she should most definitely spend time in jail. Possibly being jailed/caged and constantly controlled would teach her some empathy and at the very least, fear of every being caught doing the same again. Sadly there is no way to ensure that this person will not own and abuse another animal. Strict laws on breeding, severe punishment for abusers and support of rescue groups are the best bet for the future of companion animals. In general, the consciousness about animals and their place in society must shift to be something seen as sacred. They trust, they love, they support us and they are completely helpless to defend themselves. There is a duty to love and protect them that every person should understand from the core of their being.
I appreciate the fact that the justice system is making “baby steps” to hold these people accountable. BUT until there are serious consequences for these actions I believe these people will continue to keep doing what they are doing. But, look at Michael Vick. Heavy fines, jail time, suspension and the NFL still took him back.
So glad for the rescue of Wanda, but sad for the outcome of here sibling. That woman should have had jail time with the fine. There needs to be tougher penalties for these kinds of people.
I want to literally … idiot!! People like this should …
this monster has many likr her living in our communities. A National Animal Abuser List is an absolute must
Hi laura , just came onand yours was the firdt comment. I so much agree that a nation wide list – just like for pedophiles- should be available to all shelter/rescues, vets, animal control officers and police. I too believe that we each and every one of us who own pets should be on a list and sign a responsibility contract with your municipality.
GREAT IDEA !!!!!
We are 100% in agreement with the need for a national animal abuse registry!
THIS BI*CH DESERVES A LOT MORE PUNISHMENT THAN THIS!!
SHE MADE 2 ANIMALS SUFFER!! NO FOOD,NO WATER, LOCKED UP IN A KITCHEN
LIVING IN THERE OWN POOP AND URINE!! AND THE ONE DOG DIEING!! THIS IS ABUSE,SUFFERING AND KILLING!! THEN THE POOR OTHER DOG ATE THE SISTER TO SURVIVE!!
COME ON,SHE NEEDS A LOT MORE PUNISHMENT THEN WHAT SHE GOT!!
IT REALLY ERKS ME!!
YEARS IN JAIL …
REST IN PEACE SWEET DOG THAT DIED,REST IN PEACE!!
I AM SO HAPPY THE OTHER IS BETTER AND ADOPTED IN TO A LOVING,CARING,SAFE,FOREVER HOME!! BE FREE, BE HAPPY,ENJOY YOUR HUGS,LOVE,JOYFUL,HAPPY LIFE FROM NOW ON!!
PRAYERS,LOVE KISSES AND HUGS SENT TO YOU!!
Absolutely a slap on the wrist in this case! When will we crack down on these cruel people! If the punishment is so light, what would prevent them from repeating their abusive behavior! And he suggested that she get no more dogs! Come on! It should have been a legal directive that she would not have animals period!
I am thankful that she was convicted and subject to a fine. However, I wish laws were in place to properly punish these people and have them do jail time. I do not believe a fine is enough. I believe yes there should be a fine, but there should also be jail time for Wanda and for her sibling. As well, when someone is convicted in such a case they should be forbidden from owning any animals in the future. I just do not understand. In the United Kingdom when you are found guilty the fines are much more severe and there is jail time, and you are not just asked you are forbidden from owning whatever animal you abused and in some cases you are forbidden from owning any animal that would be dependent on you.
Failing all of the above … These animals are so trusting, loving and caring and all they wanted is to be loved.
Sorry for the long comment.
We are far more curteous to the abusers than we should be. Are we afraid we’ll offend them? We should be very offensive to them AND throw their ass in jail and be forbidden from ever owning any kind of pet. .
The inhumity just gets worse and worse. what motivates “humans” to inflict pain and cruelty on innocent animals when they themselves are the most frightened and cowardly species on earth. This human should be sentenced to a small cell, deprived of food and water for weeks and see how she survives, chances are she would not.
I agree with Bill…at the very least this woman should have been banned from EVER owning another animal as well as years of jail time! Until the punishment for abused animals is much stiffer and more than a slap on the wrist, monsters like this woman will continue to abuse and neglect more innocent animals. Anyone committing a crime like this … Stories of animal abuses and neglect continue to rise…what ever happened to compassion and humanity?
While part of me would like her punished severely, I don’t think jail time would teach her anything. But I love the idea of making her pay for any of the care that was given to Wanda, to pay back the people who provided that care. That is what should be done instead of jail time for most people – make them pay actual money for their crimes. So, if someone inflicts any cruelty on an animal, then they should be made to pay an amount equal to say … two or three times what it cost to care for the animal(s) involved. It could be paid into a fund that would then be distributed to animal shelters around the company.
Please respect and love the precious animals. Jail for all abusers. Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I ABSOLUTELY agree that this woman should have received jail time! As far as I am concerned that fine was a slap on the hand, never owning another animal is all god and well if there is going to be someone checking up on her but we all know that is not going to happen…. it’s just there so that IF she does this again and it is on record that she is not suppose to own any animals she MIGHT get a stiffer sentence next time!! Small fines like this is NOT enough to deter people from doing the right thing for their pets!!! Had she even got a WEEK in jail, I am certain she would think twice about doing it again!
She certainly should have been given jail time as well as a larger fine. This is just a slap on the wrist for her and I’m sure she is not even sorry for what she did. Disgusting.
My God above- What a horrible human being. I think she most certainly should have received jail time- 10 years at least !!! These innocent animals did nothing to deserve this horrific kind of treatment. What the hell is wrong with humans these days ? I praise the people that saved Wanda- My heart hurts for the dog that died so much- I just want to cry out loud. I am soooo happy for Wanda though- so happy. Bless her heart.
I agree with you whole heartedly Debra. Here is a quote you may appreciate, which I thought said it so nicely:
“We’re beginning to realize the almost irreparable loss in such cruel and barbaric practices as hunting and killing innocent creatures for pleasure…whose sole “offense” is being beautiful.”
Joseph F. Goodavage; Magic: Science of the Future.
Hugs – Allan.
Were these animals supposed to be her pets at one time? How anyone can be that very cruel is beyone me. She should receive punishment compensarate with the treatment she gave these dogs. While I would consider it to be cruel to abandon these animals outside, it would be a lot better than barricading them in the kitchen and leaving them to starve or die of dehydration. It must have been very difficult for this dog to watch her sibling die and then to have to eat her in order to live a short while more. There isn’t a punishment fit for this woman. Just what was she thinking?
Such ignorance and stupidity! This woman needed more jail time and community service and should have been BANNED from ever owning an animal again….not jus ‘advised’ not to. A similar case a few years ago here in Rhode Island where the abuser got off on a technicality. At least he got public recognition for what he did but so much more justice needs to be applied.
What an incredible survival story. Truly disgusting behaviour from a human, and completely needless and cruel neglect. A well deserved pat on the back to Jason for adopting her.
Nakiyeh L. Townsend should have received a prison sentence. Why such acts receive little punishment is beyond me. Because animals don’t talk they don’t have feelings, is that it?
I hope all names and photos of abusers are circulated over the internet. We should be getting pictures and names posted so we can all see who it is and put on the internet ~ like facebook ~ and let us all know who they are. They could move from their ‘home’ town but they won’t be able to hide. That woman should have been given years and a massive fine. Sickness is not reserved for men, women can be as disgusting and vile.Let’s get some pictures of her posted with her stats and name.
I am so happy she was resuced. May GOD BLESS IDA, PETA, HUMANE SOCIETY, ASPCA, IWFA, BEST FRIENDS FOR ANIMALS, ANIMAL SANCTUARY AND ALL ORGANIZATION THAT HELP THE ANIMALS FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT I will continue my donations as I always do. MAY GOD HAVE NO MERCY FOR THOSE WHO HURT, PUNISH AND ABUSE THE INNOCENT.
I am so happy she was resuced!!! happier that the monster was convicted, but unfortuantely, they will never suffer the punishment that they did on these innocent animals. However, no crime goes unpunished, you may not get it on this earth, but I’m convinced every dog, cat, horse, cow, pig, sheep, elephant, etc… will get their day in GOD’s court, which seems to be coming soon. May GOD BLESS IDA, PETA, HUMANE SOCIETY, ASPCA, IWFA, BEST FRIENDS FOR ANIMALS AND ALL ORGANIZATION THAT HELP THE ANIMALS FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT. I will continue my donations as I always do. Thank you!!! Shirin.
I think she should have received jail time and community service for 1-2 years. she should also have to pay any one who was involved in saving the animals life for their time. If she didn’t have the money, she should have been sued and a lien put on future money’s she may have or properties. also she should serve jail time for causing the death of an innocent animal in her care who could not defend itself. Pain and suffering should have been paid to the animal and that could go for it’s care and if any thing left over it could go to help other animals who need.
I totally agree with you Teanna, I really don’t think the talk the judge gave this person will help make them a better person. And I’d like to know what are the ramifications if this person goes out and gets another dog?
A very good point Bahn. He only “advised her not to keep any more animals.” He should have banned her from being near any animals, even to the extent of not allowing her to visit a zoo!
I don’t think the punishment for her was enoung