January 18,2006

Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Animal Cruelty Charges
Second such Conviction Since the D.C. Anti-Cruelty Law was Amended to Allow for Felonies in 2001

Washington, D.C. - In March of 2005, a 20-year-old male, Kevin Knott of the 1300 block of Oak Street, NW, enticed a younger boy to bring his dog into his house. When the younger boy did so, Knott had his pit bull attack the other dog. He then shot and killed the younger boy's dog. Knott was indicted on 3 counts of cruelty to animals and 8 other counts related to the weapon. On January 17, 2006, he pled guilty to felony charges of cruelty to animals and felony assault charges in D.C. Superior Court, Judge Ramsey Johnson presiding. In so doing, Knott became the second person convicted of felony animal cruelty charges since felony charges for animal abuse became a possibility in August 2001. Sentencing is set for March 17, 2006.

After the original assault, the boy whose dog was shot was temporarily relocated for his safety with the help of the U.S. Attorney's Office. The family has nonetheless been unwavering in their resolve to testify in the legal case against the defendant, and the Washington Humane Society is rewarding them with a grant from its Fugitive Fund, which encourages people to speak out against incidents of animal abuse and help convict those responsible.

The Washington Humane Society reminds the public that they can report cases of animal abuse and neglect 24 hours a day by calling 202-723-5730. More information on preventing cruelty to animals can be found at the WHS website, www.washhumane.org. Donations in support of the Fugitive Fund can be sent to The Washington Humane Society, 7319 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20012 or can be made online here.

WHS works to prevent cruelty to animals by enforcing animal protection laws and providing shelter and adoptions for homeless and abused animals of all sorts. Each year, the Washington Humane Society cares for nearly 12,000 animals and responds to 15,500 calls for help.