A new law has made its way to the Mississippi law books, “Buddy’s Law”. The law was named after a dog who survived being set ablaze by a 12-year-old boy. The law will introduce new requirements to juvenile court for youths charged with the harm of a domesticated dog or cat.
Buddy, a Labrador retriever mix, was severely burned in April 2021 and went through treatments at clinics in the Southaven area, but ultimately the Tunica Humane Society and their attending veterinarian made the decision to transfer him to the MSU CVM for advanced, around-the-clock care.
Buddy, the dog from North Mississippi that was set on fire this week, is receiving care from veterinarians and trained students, including Tyler McMurray of Brandon, at the Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine.
(photo by Tom Thompson / Mississippi State University)
Buddy was found on Apr. 22, 2021, with an extension cord wrapped around his neck and severe burns covering his face. The Tate County Sheriff’s Office said that a juvenile under the age of 12 did confess to purposefully setting the dog on fire, but that state laws prevent them from filing criminal charges.
“While this terrible act is a felony crime punishable by up to 3 years in prison, under Mississippi law no person under the age of 12 can be charged with a crime,” Tate County Sheriff Brad Lance told WAPT.
Buddy and his favorite caregiver, Callie (credit: Tunica Humane Society)
News of Buddy’s case went viral on social media, causing an outcry...
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has deployed the Hungarian military to secure a major natural gas pipeline on the Serbian border following reports of a thwarted sabotage attempt, an incident the oppos...