WARNING: The contents of this story may be disturbing to some.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahomans who watched a disturbing video after animal advocates and law enforcement asked for the public’s help finding a man caught on camera beating a dog were relieved when the suspect was arrested last Tuesday.
Oklahoma City Animal Welfare told NewsNation affiliate KFOR it got a call last month after a local business owner found a dog dead.
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, 57-year-old Larry McMillian was arrested April 9 after officers received more information regarding the incident. OKC Animal Welfare is investigating this case.
Officials say McMillian was arrested on charges of cruelty to animals and possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
On Monday, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy announced they are rewarding an Oklahoma woman $2,000 for definitive information that led to the identification of the man seen in a video published by media repeatedly stomping and killing a puppy in late March outside a business in southeast Oklahoma City.
According to Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, Sarah Looney, of Oklahoma City, was rewarded after turning in her ex-boyfriend, Larry Don McMillan.
Looney spoke with Animal Wellness Action and said she loved animals and did not know Larry was capable of acting in such a way.
“He was never mean to my big dog. But then he started getting that way (abusive) to me and then my puppy,” said Looney, who is a domestic abuse survivor. “People like that need to get help or not be let out of prison. I am glad he is locked up for what he did to animals, and for what he had done to me.”
Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy leaders responded, saying: “We are grateful to Sarah for stepping up because as you can see, anyone who would do this is a danger to animals and people alike,” said Kevin Chambers, Oklahoma state director for Animal Wellness Action. “Animal Wellness Action wants to help the Oklahoma City Police identify perpetrators of this type of heinous animal cruelty and bring them to justice.”
Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, added: “Cruelty to animals is despicable in its own right, but we also know that people who do awful things to animals often turn their violent instincts against spouses, girlfriends, children, or other members of the community. Sarah Looney exhibited great courage in providing a service to the community.”
Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy offers rewards for critical tips to prosecute perpetrators of animal abuse that may be sent directly to OKcrueltytips@animalwellnessaction.org.