Man accused of putting puppy in dishwasher is indicted on aggravated cruelty to animals charges

TENNESSEE -- A Shelby County Grand Jury has indicted a Memphis man on felony charges of aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly putting a puppy in a dishwasher and causing its death, said Shelby County Dist. Atty. Amy Weirich.

The grand jury also indicted defendant Marcus Curry, 27, on misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals for allegedly leaving the same small dog, a mix-breed named Daisy, tied to the porch with no food or water prior to the dishwasher incident.

Marcus Curry

The alleged incidents occurred between June 18-26 last year at Curry’s apartment in the 2800 block of Meadowlake Drive in the Fox Meadows area.

Witnesses told Memphis Police Department investigators that Curry put the dog in the dishwasher, turned it on and left it running. When Curry later opened the dishwasher the dog was not moving, police said.

Workmen later found the dog’s body in the dumpster and notified police.

Curry, who is being held on $10,000 bond, is scheduled to be in Criminal Court on March 26.

Aggravated animal cruelty carries punishment of up to six years in prison. Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor that carries up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. He was indicted in October, but was not arrested until recently when he was found at a motel on Lamar.

Curry also is accused of fraudulent use of his great aunt’s credit card on which he charged $600 without her authorization. He will be in General Sessions Criminal Court on that case on Wednesday March 12.

(Shelby County District Attorney - March 6, 2014)