On Thursday evening May 2, 2019, McCracken County Sheriff’s Detectives were following up on the case in question. While canvassing the general area from which the puppy was recovered, deputies were able to locate a witness that provided information that led to a person of interest. The address detectives followed up at was located on Wyatt Avenue in Kevil, Ky. Upon arrival, contact was made with who was identified as being Jayce Bryant.
As detectives began interviewing Bryant, it was noted that he was nervous and was believed to have been involved in the incident. Within a short period of time, Bryant confessed to being the individual responsible for taping the puppy’s snout and legs, subsequently dropping the puppy off in the area of Rice Springs and Woodville Road.
Bryant was currently employed at the McCracken County Regional Jail at the time of the incident; however, there is absolutely no correlation between his employment at the jail and the act that he committed while off duty.
Bryant was interviewed further at the sheriff’s office Thursday evening and again confessed to the act along with additional details. Bryant claimed that the puppy had bitten him and that was the reason he bound his legs and snout. Bryant then admitted to transporting the puppy up the road from his residence and was going to loosen him and let him go. Bryant claimed that the puppy escaped before he was able to loosen him and after not being able to catch the puppy, Bryant left the area.
I consulted with Dr. Russell Jones who stated the puppy “suffered the utmost serious physical injury caused by having his muzzle taped shut for an extended period of time.”
Bryant was charged with Torturing a Dog with Serious Physical Injury, a Class D Felony.
Contact with Jailer David Knight was made to inform him of the situation as it involved one of his employees. Jailer Knight responded to the sheriff’s office and pursuant to his policy, terminated the employment of Bryant. Bryant was arrested at approximately 22:35 p.m. on Thursday evening, May 3, 2019.
“Upon being made aware of the incident and the admission, I immediately terminated his employment and in no way condone what actions have been taken” Jailer David Knight
“We are thankful to have resolved this investigation as quickly as we have and are happy to report that Hero is improving daily” Sheriff Matt Carter
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office has been assisted by the McCracken County Animal Control, and the McCracken County Humane Society throughout this investigation.
ARRESTED:
Bryant, Jayce A. 32 years of age
Of Kevil, Ky
CHARGES:
Torture Dog With Serious Physical Injury