Sign: Texas Men Accused of Hanging Dog From Tree to Dodge Rent Hike [View all]

Animal Victory.org
April 20, 2026

Tyler, Texas -- Two men are accused of a horrific crime that claimed the life of an innocent dog.

According to the Smith County Sheriff's Office, Billy Darnell Perry, 33, and Jay Heath Stansberry, 17, used a leash to hang a white dog from the limb of a tree on private property near County Road 314, causing the dog's death.

The men told investigators that they killed the dog because "their landlord threatened to raise the rent due to the number of dogs inside the rental home."
The men were booked into jail and held on $100,000 bond each.

According to an arrest affidavit, Stansberry told investigators that Perry used the dog's own leash to hang it from a tree after first attempting to strangle it.
He also admitted to holding the dog's leg while Perry carried out the act.

If you are heartsick over this cruel incident, please add your name to the petition to help Animal Victory ensure that these men are held accountable for their deplorable actions.

More + Petition:
https://animalvictory.org/petition/tyler-men-accused-of-hanging-dog-from-tree-to-dodge-rent-hike/