Justice was denied regarding the sentence of a man accused of shooting to death eight dogs, said Whitney Harrison, executive director for the Ark-La-Tex Animal Rescue in Texarkana.
Brian Moore, 25, of Sevier County, Ark., pleaded guilty Tuesday to animal cruelty in the Sevier County District Court in De Queen, Ark.
Moore was sentenced to a $1,600 fine for killing four dogs. The charges of animal cruelty for four other dogs he allegedly shot to death were dismissed.
Moore was also sentenced to 20 hours of community service under the guidance of the Sevier County Sheriff's Department.
He will also be required to undergo psychological evaluation to receive counseling for animal cruelty.
An animal rights activist shouted, "I hope you rot in hell," across the courtroom before Moore was sentenced Tuesday.
"I was mortified. She is not with our rescue group. She is from Dallas. I apologized to the prosecuting attorney (Erin Hunter)," Harrison said.
Harrison issued a statement Wednesday regarding the sentence.
"Ark-La-Tex Animal Rescue, along with many other animal advocates who have followed this situation closely, were extremely disappointed in the settlement agreement between the state and Brian Moore. Some of those who were in the courtroom were understandably frustrated and made their feelings very clear to Brian. Justice was denied, but we will push forward with our civil cases against all involved parties," Harrison said.