Welcome to Arrest Stories. A Georgia Southern University professor faces animal cruelty charges after allegedly encouraging his dog to attack and kill a cat on campus. Here's what may have happened.
On December twenty eighth, fifty six year old Lance Anthony Durden was walking a black and white bulldog near Lakeside Café on the Georgia Southern University campus in Statesboro, Georgia. Officer William Kicklighter was conducting a routine campus patrol when he observed Durden with his dog in the area.
According to the police report, Officer Kicklighter heard the dog begin to whine and produce what he described as a series of small barks, similar to baying sounds. The officer stated he recognized these sounds from having hunted with dogs for several years, indicating the animal was tracking or pursuing prey.
Officer Kicklighter then observed an orange cat positioned in a nearby tree. The officer reported seeing the cat suddenly tumble from the tree, stating "I noticed the cat tumbling out of the tree, like it had been knocked down."
What happened next led to the animal cruelty charges against Durden. According to the police report, Durden's bulldog immediately grabbed the falling cat in its mouth and began shaking it violently. During this attack, the cat attempted to defend itself by biting and scratching the dog. Officer Kicklighter reported that throughout this incident, Durden was heard encouraging his dog by repeatedly saying "get it, get it, get it."
The attack resulted in the death of the cat. Durden, who holds a position as a professor at Georgia Southern University, was subsequently arrested and charged with animal cruelty. The incident occurred entirely on university property during daylight hours while the officer was present to witness the events unfold.
The charges stem from allegations that Durden actively encouraged his dog to attack the cat rather than attempting to control or restrain his animal during the incident.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.