Mississippi: Biloxi police make arrest in dog-abuse case; Billy Swain charged with animal cruelty

MISSISSIPPI -- A man Biloxi police say abused a dog has turned himself in to authorities.

A warrant for the arrest of Billy Swain was issued Monday after a video went viral in South Mississippi, garnering 44,000 views, along with 555 comments and 1,089 shares.

Police Chief John Miller said Billy Swain turned himself in at 6:30 a.m. Monday. He was arrested on a charge of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. His court date is set for Feb. 6.

The video, which was recorded on the home surveillance system at Reaghan Swain’s house, shows the man, whom she identified as her father-in-law, Billy Swain, putting the dog in the cab of a truck.



Billy Swain then walks to the driver side of the truck, opens the door and appears to punch something repeatedly. He then gets in the truck and slams an object down — Reaghan Swain said it was a flashlight her son had gotten his grandfather as a gift — several times.
The Biloxi Police Department later announced animal-control officers signed an affidavit for animal cruelty against Billy Swain.

Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor offense in Mississippi. -- the same level of crime as smashing someone's mailbox.

(Sun Herald - Dec 13, 2016)

Earlier:

• Mississippi: "I think he just killed Albert," 11-year-old said to his mom after seeing his grandfather beat dog with a flashlight