BROOKHAVEN, Miss. (WJTV) — A man accused of beating a cat to death in Brookhaven has bonded out of jail.

Brookhaven Police tell WJTV that the incident happened Friday at the Animal Rescue League, leaving workers there on edge.

Jody Cothron

Jody Cothron has been charged with the crime.

Tilly was an adult cat being cared for at the shelter. She was viciously attacked.

The caregiver on site said Cothron asked to see some of the cats available for adoption. She walked him to the back to let him see which one he liked. when he left, they quickly realized something was wrong.

Now they want to use this situation as an example to make a difference. They are asking lawmakers for stricter laws to protect animals.

“The police have told me that it won’t be easy to convict him maybe because it’s a misdemeanor I don’t know, but whatever the reason that to me. to all of us is very sad,” said Lu Becker, of the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League.

Tilly belonged to an elderly woman who recently passed away.

Cothron was taken to the Lincoln County Detention Center, but authorities said he has since bonded out.