Southerland, Harper honored by animal protection group

Published 4:12 pm Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Warren County Judge Marcie Southerland and County Prosecutor Ken Harper were honored Tuesday by In Defense of Animals, an international animal protection organization, for their work in prosecuting a Warren County man for abusing a puppy during a domestic disturbance.

The case involved aggravated animal cruelty charges against Walter Stewart, who injured the puppy during a May 25 argument with a woman by slamming it on the hood of her car. He was found guilty and sentenced to five months in the Warren County Jail.

“I believe wholeheartedly that the people who are helping animals should be honored and there really are some judges and prosecutors in Mississippi who are doing a fine job,” said In Defense of Animals Director Doll Stanley as she presented the two with the Justice for Animals award.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

Stanley said many times law enforcement officers are unable to do their job protecting animals because they don’t have the training or the resources to help animals. She said organizations like In Defense of Animals go across the state working with agencies “and we’ve been very successful.”

Turning to Southerland and Harper, Stanley said, “I’m proud of you all and thank you on behalf of the animals.”

“I’m honored to be involved with this,” Harper said. He said he was surprised when he heard he was receiving it.

Southerland said she appreciated Harper’s work on the case, adding, “It starts with law enforcement, it starts with the prosecutors and when it gets to court.

“I could not be more honored to have good law enforcement, good prosecutors and community involvement. It starts with the community,” she said. “We have great folks at the (Vicksburg) animal shelter and the Humane Society. It takes everybody.”

Southerland said research has shown that anyone who would abuse an animal will more than likely abuse a child and an individual.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

email author More by John