Case Snapshot
Case ID: 20024
Classification: Beating, Throwing
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Sunday, Apr 13, 2014

County: Surry

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Michael Edgar Wright

A Mount Airy man was being held in the Surry County Jail Tuesday on a felony charge stemming from the death of his girlfriend's dog.

Michael Edgar Wright, 35, of 113 Bitting Ave., allegedly killed a Chihuahua by "beating and throwing" it, according to city police arrest records.

The incident, which occurred late Sunday at Wright's home, led to him being charged with cruelty to animals, a felony, and disorderly conduct.

He was being held in the Surry County Jail Tuesday under a $10,000 secured bond.

The death of the dog stemmed from a domestic dispute, Police Chief Dale Watson said. It involved Wright and his girlfriend, Tabitha Danielle Corder, who lives at the same address on Bitting Avenue.

In addition to killing the dog, Wright was witnessed standing in the street and cursing loudly, according to arrest records, which led to his being charged with disorderly conduct in addition to animal cruelty.

The police chief said such an incident involving violence against a dog is rare in Mount Airy.

"It is out of the ordinary and very disappointing as well," Watson added Tuesday. He called the killing of the Chihuahua "a senseless act."

The police chief indicated that the death was due to "vengeance" in the wake of the domestic dispute between Wright and Corder -- with anger being taken out on the dog, which essentially died for no reason.

"It really serves no purpose in the end."

Information on the age and gender of the dog was not available.

Many people might not realize that animal cruelty is a felony, but knowledge of this might prevent such acts in the future, Watson agreed.

"That's a big deterrent."

Wright is scheduled to appear in Surry District Court on May 8.

References

  • « NC State Animal Cruelty Map
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