Pit bull who was set on fire and beaten attends his abuser's parole hearing

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- A scarred but friendly pit bull named Louis Vuitton was the star witness Tuesday as an Alabama state board denied parole for the man convicted of spraying him with lighter fluid, setting him on fire and beating him with a shovel.

After the 8-year-old dog was led into the packed hearing room, the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles voted 3 to 0 to deny early release to 23-year-old Juan Daniels of Montgomery, who was sentenced in 2009 to nine years and six months in prison, a record in Alabama in an animal cruelty case.

Daniels, whose supporters said he had been sentenced far more harshly than criminals who harm human beings, will be eligible for parole again in July 2012.

The dog stuck his head forward for everyone who wanted to pet him as he entered. He bears burn scars from his head to his wagging tail, including white lines on his brown body where the burning lighter fluid seared his skin.

"You have to see the scars to see what was done to him," said the dog's owner, Dee Hartley of Montgomery. She and her husband adopted the dog after the torture incident.

It's unusual for a dog or other animal to make an appearance before such a panel.

"I don't recall every having one here before," said Cynthia Dillard, executive director of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

The September 2007 attack on the dog drew wide notice. The Montgomery Humane Society got as many as 50 calls a day about the case, some from other countries. The dog was given the name of a French fashion brand, Louis Vuitton, in honor of a dog named Gucci, whose torture case in Mobile in 1994 led to passage of Gucci's Law, which made animal cruelty a felony in Alabama.

More than 60 law enforcement officers, animal rights advocates and other supporters of Louis crowded into the hearing. Relatives and friends of Daniels also faced the board and asked that he be released.

Montgomery County Dist. Atty. Ellen Brooks asked parole board members to make Daniels serve his entire sentence because of his cruelty to the dog and the nine disciplinary actions taken against him in prison.

"The first reason to deny parole is to prevent him from hurting another animal or a person," Brooks said. She said he was accused of torturing the dog, which then belonged to his mother, because he was angry at her for not letting him use the car.

His mother, Vellica Daniels, asked for leniency for her son, so that he could get on with his life.

A cousin, Thomas Hudson, said after the hearing he didn't think it was fair because Daniels is behind bars with "folks who committed more extensive crimes than he committed."

Holladay Simmons, the veterinarian who treated Louis immediately after he was burned, told the board the dog's wounds were as bad as she had ever seen.

Matt Cooper, the county animal cruelty officer who responded to the call, said after the hearing: "I've worked cases where people let their dog starve to death, but this was the worst case of animal cruelty that I've seen."

Louis stood patiently outside the parole board offices after the hearing as people lined up to pat him on the head. He nuzzled up to many of his admirers, giving some a big, juicy lick on the face.

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-- Bob Johnson, Associated Press

Photos: (top and middle) Screen grabs from a YouTube video about Louis Vuitton's progress, as documented by his new owner. (The video, and additional videos of Louis, are available on dogdocAL's YouTube channel.)

(bottom) Louis Vuitton at the veterinary clinic where he was treated after being sprayed with lighter fluid, set on fire and beaten in September 2007. Credit: David Bundy / Associated Press

Comments

[Karen]

I remember reading about this story initially on LATUnleashed. It's still horrifying, but I am SO glad to hear the Alabama justice system is taking animal cruelty seriously! Every state should follow suit! And I'm glad this little guy has a second chance at life.

[Julie van Niekerk]

Death penalty for animal and child abusers

[Jess molly]

how could any 1 be so mean 2 such an innoccent creature

[GB]

"His mother, Vellica Daniels, asked for leniency for her son, so that he could get on with his life." I SAY FOR WHAT?, SO THAT HE WILL REPEAT HIS BEHAVIOR TO AN INNOCENT HUMAN BEING OR ANIMAL OR PERHAPS EVEN HER. She obviously brought up a deliquent or a mental case. Let him take the car next time, perhaps he will take the route of "Thelma & Louise". I am glad the pup survived and is in a loving home.

[ariana]

The beautiful thing about animals epecially dogs is, if "Louis Vuitton" was approach by his evil abuser in court, he probably would have nuzzled up and gave him a juicy lick on the face too.
How could anyone want to hurt such a loyal loving creature?? He and his crazy family will burn in hell, and there will be no one there to help them.

[Pam]

When you hurt any innocent being like a child or an animal, you are a monster. I'm quite impressed that Alabama has taken this case of cruelty very seriously and that this monster was given a long sentence. I'm sure that this felon when, unfortunately, he is released will cause harm to other innocent beings. And the people who adopted him are to be admired and commended. Thank you for your goodness.

[margarita clayton]

Animal laws should be well placed within the justice system & reinforced. There are too many dangerous people.

[тαмιℓιαηρσηηυ]

Such heartless idiots! Why do they need a dog in the first place?

I wish this dog was ferocious enough to sink his teeth into his master! Such callous idiots. If people can't take care of their pets, then why do they keep one? Are they CRAZY? They don't have a VOICE! Thank you for saving the dog!

[jessica]

Poor guy, he needs mental help and the only thing the prison is going to do is make him worse. very few people actually do better once released from prison.

[Deb Speelman]

I live in Florida. I only pray that Florida will adopt a law such as this. We have animal cruelty cases here all the time. The judges just slap them on the wrists and give them probation. It's criminal!

[Shawna Andrews]

People like that should not even be given the chance to be free again just like the child abusers. I do not have any sympathy for people and their family that think that it is ok to do something like that. The animal is alive and in a loving home and that is good. Just wish that the poor animal did not have to go through what it had.

[Simone Fonseca]

I am glad that this individual was denied parole, and I hope he gets to serve all the sentence. It sickens me to hear people say that it was a harshy sentence for a crime committed on a dog. In my opinion, animals are the most defenseless creatures on earth because they can not speak for themselves, they depend completly on people for their survival, and due to the fact that we have taken these animals out of the wild, domesticated them for our enjoyment, and made them completely dependent on us. We must step up to the plate and take responsibility to give these animals what they need and deserve.

[alison]

omg that is so sad i wish i could do something to help that dog, i feel so sad just looking at the pictures, how can someone be so cruel to an animal.

[Kim Hegedus]

This should be done at every hearing for animal abusers! This rotten human being should be put through the same pain this poor dog had to endure. There is no Place on this planet for disgusting criminals like Juan! It's about time animals get the right of people! Here here!!

[DeeDee]

My God the cruelty of some people, How humans think they have the right to call a innocent animal their property and do the HORRIFIC things they do to them and for the most part they walk away with a slap on the wrist and go on to repeat their actions!!! Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr it's so maddening!
I can only be thankful for the many who Advocate for the meak and help with their rescues and rehab...God Bless you all!!!

[Piper Ellie]

Anyone that can do this to an animal has it in him to do it to a human being. A life is a life.

[Lucy]

I think that the time he has is fair because animals dont have a voice to fight back and say stop nor can they fight back and how would he like it if he was set on fire and beat with a shovel now think if the dog had bitten him they would have killed him . . so i think that he got off pretty easy with the time he got atleast he didnt recive the same sentence the dog would have recived if he had bitten the guy . this really hits home i am the proud owner of 5 of the mis understood breed and i would never imagine anyone doing such a thing . He should be ashamed of him self and every one whom thinks he shouldnt get the time he did mabey it should happen to them .....

[Hund Avenger]

Thomas Hudson obviously belongs in prison right alongside his cousin if he can't comprehend the inhuman nature of this crime.

[Shar W]

I believe EVERY pet whose abuser comes up for parole should be able to attend the parole hearing (in the company of a handler, if the current owners fear targeting by the perpetrator and/or their friends). Most especially when such horrible scarring has happened, and of course with accompanying pictures of the pet immediately after rescue!

[Stephanie A.]

Hang in there bud, my family is pulling for you to get better and find justice!

[pj]

I think abusers should be offered a choice. Life in prison....or have the same thing done to themselves..in which case they can be freed immediately.

[Cathy]

Leave him in jail, anyone who can do that is SICK and demented

[FA]

These are traits that only a coward would do to such a defenseless animal. Wonder how the owner would feel if someone did this to him?

[Shirley Cruickshank]

The way I see it is if this is what they do to an animail God forbid if they have children what they would do today.Totally disgusting.I think the sentence was very fitting.

[Lauree]

Lock him up for the full sentence. THE FULL SENTENCE! In my opinion, it should have been longer.

[Nuria]

Let the bastard serve his full time. He burned this dog just to get back at his mother? Not to mention he's had 9 infractions in jail? Oh yes, that's someone we just want walking around.

[Donna]

He's right where he belongs amd ha should be made to carry out his sentence!

[Jan Kennon]

Well done to your law enforcers for upholding the law and not allowing this vile person out. Humans are animals guardians and as so should protect them all. I'll really think humans have evolved if they stop shooting animals in the name of sport!!!

[Terry Pitt]

I'm glad to hear this! The psychotic should serve his entire sentence with no parole whatsoever!! I hope this type of sentencing becomes more common place!

[Deb S]

Well done Alabama!! Keep his butt in jail, its nice to see someone NOT get a slap on the wrist for animal cruelty. The rest of the US States could take lessons from you!

[Allison]

Way to go Alabama!

[Tiffany]

Human beings are the only beings on earth capable of malicious intent, if this wasn't malicious, we need to redefine the word. The fact that people asked for lenience for this man sickens me. He doesn't deserve the freedom he will get at the end of his sentence, he sure as hell doesn't deserve early release! Animals forgive in a way I'll never be capable of, it amazes me the amount of cruelty they'll endure and still cuddle up to these monsters at the end of the day. They live for and thrive on whatever, however little, affection they get. They take it in and multiply it back to you, how someone could do this is beyond me. I do know that I would love to meet him, and people like him, in a back alley. :)

[Janet]

Im crying!! we have a bull terrier I dont even like the word pit bull, all these mean people are the PIT BULLS BUT NOT THE DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!! JANET IN CT.

[Lisa]

Oh, how I wish we could do unto others as they have done unto their helpless, innocent victims (human and animal).

[Kate Cassidy]

Poor Louis...great to see him loking so well. He doesn't deserve parole for what he did to an innocent animal. Louis di d nothing to deserve such awful treatmnet...have a good life Louis xxxxx

[Nilah M.]

Why is there "people" who do such abuse to animals given a chance at parole? This is how murders start out in their twisted life. If it had not been for the angel who helped out L.V. this comment wouldn't be so nice.

L.V. and his momma and daddy, bless you for adopting him. Give him a hug for me!!

[Jnicole]

Soo...Anyone who is crazy enough to LIGHT A DOG ON FIRE and BEAT IT WITH A SHOVEL becuase you mom wont let you borrow the car DOES NOT have enough sence in their head or humanity in their body to EVER be allowed to walk the streets!! That is DISGUSTING. What a vindictive, selfish, manipulative, disgusting peice of garbage.

[casey]

that is so sad it almost brang me too tears that guy should be in jail for ever!!!

[Amanda]

If the dog had bitten a human for any reason and caused this much damage it would have received the death penalty.

"Daniels, whose supporters said he had been sentenced far more harshly than criminals who harm human beings, will be eligible for parole again in July 2012."

[Colleen]

I think the man is a monster!!! I am glad he got what he got for he deserves it... That man could easily do it again if givin the chance. He needs to stay behind bars for a very long time for what he did.

[Colleen]

I think the man is a monster!!! I am glad he got what he got for he deserves it... That man could easily do it again if givin the chance. He needs to stay behind bars for a very long time for what he did.

[Chantal]

I saw whoever did this, should not get away with it...he or she should receive maximum punishement...how can someone be so cruel.

[justaguy]

....."and the nine disciplinary actions taken against him in prison."

Sounds like he has learned something in prison.....he is not a monster as some of you call him. He is a human. The fact that he did this and has had 9 actions against him while in jail so far would shows he is not stable and a danger to society. Hopefully this guy is getting anger management work and won't be released until passing a proper mental evaluation.

[Mandy]

What is wrong with this monsters family? He should be released early because other people in the prison commited more extensive crimes? He should be allowed to get on with his life? OH REALLY?!

This isn't about what OTHERS did, this is about what HE did. And what he did was horrendous. He had a trial and was convicted. He also has proven he can't behave in prison either. 6 counts for bad behavior. Wow... but point fingers at others to account for why he should be free. He can't even control himself behind bars you morons. He needs to sit there until he can learn to act like a human being.

Speaking of which, his mother should be ashamed of her son, not wailing about her precious baby being free. If someone lit her child on fire and beat him with a shovel she would want the maximum penalty. Yet since it's her special snowflake he should be allowed to do what he pleases with no punishment. No wonder he is a failure. Vellica, you screwed up. You raised this monster. I suggest you sit down and zip it.

If it had been the dog that bit Mr. Daniels the dog would be killed due to violent behavior and given NO chances. Yet we are not only allowing this man free next year but his family thinks we should let him go now so he can "get on with his life". A pathetic failure who can't control himself in or out of prison.

I suggest we protect the world by throwing him and his painfully stupid family in prison for life.

[dru]

dearest Louis......i pray that u're being in court will let the judge see the damage "that person" did 2 u n how u r now will help not only YOU, precious boy, but abused animals everywhere...i am keeping u in my thoughts n prayers. "that person" MUST serve his ENTIRE sentence~IF HE DOESN'T HE WILL REPEAT WHAT HE DID 2 LOUIS......even tho THAT is NOT enough it IS a start.......brightest blessing, beautiful boy.......love n hugs,
dru

[Patricia Davis]

This is the first time I have ever heard of someone being punished properly for these crimes! If only the rest of the world would jump on board with it... we would be in much better shape with our Animal Kingdom... the neglect and abuse and down right evil torture has gone on for too long...

[Alison]

Its good to see proper sentences in the US for filth like this. Our sentences in the UK for animal abuse are far too lenient. Animal abusers should be treated like child abusers.

[Samantha]

Thankyou Alabama for leading the way with laws for animals that maybe will protect other animals from this kind of pain and suffering.
Our job is to protect anything vulnerable and Alabama has done just that.
Beautiful dog and thankyou to the loving family who has him now! Bless you.

Sadly I don't see or hear the Daniels family learning anything from it. Unless you get past the denial or excuses this kind of thing will not be learned from and continue..What a shame. Such a pathetic family they are.

[Susan]

Because of his cruelty to the dog and the NINE disciplinary actions taken against him in prison, this man should never be let out. Doesn't sound like he's learned anything, much less demonstrate any remorse. He's right where he belongs.

[Diane]

God Bless the state of Alabama. Only wish Florida would follow suit and begin sentencing these animal abusers to the time they deserve. This man deserves more time than he got. But I'm glad to see the judge and the parole board acted responsibly.