Man convicted in Alabama for severely stabbing his dog

LEE COUNTY, Ala. ( WRBL ) — A Columbus, Georgia, man has been convicted of animal cruelty after a brutal stabbing left his dog severely injured.

The case, which involved a dog named Hank being stabbed 22 times, drew widespread attention for the disturbing nature of the crime. Following a thorough investigation and trial, the defendant, Andrew Childs, now faces jail time and restitution payments for his actions.

Prosecutors said Tuesday that Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Tickal sentenced Childs to four years, splitting the sentence so Childs will serve six months in jail followed by three years of supervised probation. Childs was also ordered to pay $12,904 in restitution, which he completed before sentencing.

The sentencing follows a bench trial where Childs was convicted of first-degree cruelty to a dog. On October 22, 2021, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting an injured dog at a business off Highway 280 in Smiths Station. A Lee County animal control officer found the dog close to death under a car surrounded by a large amount of blood. The dog was stabbed.

The officer rushed the dog to the Animal Health Center in Opelika, where Dr. Buddy Bruce examined the animal, identified by a microchip as “Hank.” Bruce found Hank was stabbed about 22 times, primarily in the upper chest, with a small blade. Although Andrew Childs, identified as Hank’s owner, claimed the dog was sick and needed to be euthanized, Bruce found no evidence of illness or any condition other than the severe injuries.

Childs told law enforcement he drove Hank from Columbus to a remote area in Lee County, where he stabbed and abandoned the dog, believing it was the only way to euthanize him. Despite the severity of his injuries, Hank survived and received extensive care from Bruce.

Lee County Chief Assistant District Attorney Clay Thomas led the prosecution in the case, which was bolstered by the work of investigator Greg Sumner and the Lee County Animal Control team. Their efforts were credited with not only securing the guilty verdict but also saving Hank’s life. After recovering, Hank was adopted by a new family and now resides happily in Pennsylvania.

Thomas praised all those involved, including Bruce, who took time away from his veterinary practice to provide expert testimony during the trial.

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