Update: Florida Cat Torturer Walks Free [View all]

In Defense of Animals.org
December 6, 2024

We are sadly disappointment that the prosecution of a case against Dean T. Bell, who was arrested in Daytona Beach, Florida for torturing and likely killing a cat, has been deferred.
That means the defendant instead got a plea deal and escaped justice.

In January, 2024, Bell was arrested on a felony animal cruelty charge after neighbors reported him spraying a caged cat with a high-pressure hose in 45 degree weather and repeatedly slamming the cage on the ground.
The cat was never seen again.

We sent a letter to State Attorney R.J. Larizza with the contact details for 14,704 In Defense of Animals supporters who signed onto our letter supporting Bell's prosecution, arguing for the strongest possible prosecution and asking for the petition package to be presented to the presiding judge during the sentencing phase of the trial.

This didn't happen.
Instead, on October 23, 2024, a deferred prosecution agreement that was incredibly weak was reached.
Bell must refrain from committing any crimes for 12 months, complete 100 hours of community service at a Florida animal rescue, ...and donate to three Florida animal rescues.

[snip]



If you're disappointed in State Attorney R.J. Larizza's handling of this case, please politely let him know:

phone: 386-239-7714

Physical mail:
R.J. Larizza
State Attorney's Office
251 N. Ridgewood Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL. 32114

More + email link for State Attorney R.J. Larizza
https://www.idausa.org/campaign/justice-for-animals/latest-news/update-florida-cat-torturer-walks-free/