Martin Man Charged with 15 Counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty

A Martin man is facing six years in prison after being charged with 15 counts of aggravated animal cruelty, a Class E Felony in the state of Tennessee. 50-year-old Martin resident Kevin Courtright was arrested and charged on August 27 by Weakley County Sheriff’s Department Deputy William Beaman after Beaman responded to an animals at large call.

When Beaman arrived on scene he spoke with witnesses who advised that there had been a group of dogs were coming on to their property and were aggressive. One of the witnesses stated that she had to protect herself from them and was “sore but okay.”

Beaman made contact with a juvenile who advised that his dad was the owner of the dogs. There were nine puppies and six adult dogs on the property with none of the animals having access to food or water and all appearing to be very malnourished according to Beaman.

One of the dogs was aggressive towards Beaman and had to be pepper sprayed. The nine puppies were locked in a cage with no food, water or access to shade. Three of the adult dogs were tied up and the other three were roaming freely.

Beaman stated that “all the dogs on the property are at a substantial risk of death in the current weather due to having no access to food, water or shade.” Beaman stated that all of the water and food bowls were filled with dirt and dust from not being used in a long time.

Courtright was charged with 15 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and three counts of animals at large.

The court could also order the defendant to surrender custody and forfeit all companion animals and may award custody of the animals to the agency presenting the case.

The court could also prohibit the defendant from having custody of companion animals for at least two years from the date of conviction and may impose a lifetime prohibition.

In addition to the penalty imposed, the court may require the defendant to undergo psychological evaluation and counseling, the cost to be borne by the defendant.

Courtright’s preliminary hearing is set for September 18 at 8:30 a.m.  in Weakley County General Sessions Court. Courtright is currently being held on a $2,000 surety bond.