Johnathan Perrigin had eluded law enforcement since the September 2016, after a warrant was issued for his arrest for the poisoning of six dogs in Yalobusha County, Mississippi. Thanks to supporters like you, we were able to act and prevent this suspected animal abuser from getting away with murder.

Perrigin faced charges for the alleged poisoning of Yalobusha County residents, Vincent and Debbie Robertson’s family dogs. The Robertson’s dogs were poisoned in June of 2016, and with the aid of In Defense of Animals, the Mississippi Bureau of Plant Industries (MBPI) was brought into the case. Temik, a regulated and highly lethal pesticide, was suspected to be the poison used to kill the Robertson dogs. MBPI confirmed that Temik was the poison used and a tip from nearby residents lead to the September warrant for Perrigin’s arrest. Months went by and Perrigen eluded capture. That's when we knew we had to do something!

On Tuesday, May 9, 2017, In Defense of Animals announced a $1,000 reward for the apprehension and conviction of Perrigin. Perrigin was believed to be traveling between Yalobusha, Calhoun, and Pontotoc counties. Yalobusha County had cooperation from the two regional counties in the effort to arrest Perrigin.

On the morning of Friday May 12, 2017, an informant who learned of In Defense of Animals' reward contacted the primary Yalobusha County deputy involved in the case to alert him that Perrigin could be found in Pontotoc County. Deputy Jimmy Payne contacted the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department to ask for its cooperation in the arrest of Perrigin and Perrigin was arrested that evening in Pontotoc County.

His arraignment date has not been set yet, but the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department said the charge could be a felony. We certainly hope so and we will be doing everything in our power to see justice done for the animals.