Texas Man Cut Off Puppies’ Limbs In Crime So Heinous Defense Attorneys Refuse To Represent Him

Published: August 04, 2023 at 02:44 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Baytown, Texas – A Texas man is facing animal cruelty charges for doing something to innocent puppies so heinous that at least two defense attorneys have refused to take his case. The authorities have identified 44-year-old Justin Reilly Belton as the man who knowingly and intentionally cut off the paws and tails of at least four puppies on or around June 17, 2023.

Belton’s sadistic act resulted in one of the puppies being humanely euthanized, leaving the others “critically injured.” One of Belton’s neighbors told investigators they heard cries being heard at 3 a.m. with Belton walking outside and swearing. According to the police, the “Neighbor also alleged that [the defendant] has caused death to other animals.”

The allegations against Belton are so disturbing that a court hearing had to be moved because at least two defense attorneys refused to represent him.

Currently, the first court appearance is scheduled for 8/9/2023. Belton is charged with four counts of cruelty to a non-livestock animal; each count carries a bail amount of $25,000.

If you are sickened by Belton’s demented cruelty, please add your name to the petition today! He must be put away for as long as possible.

We the undersigned demand that Justin Reilly Belton be held accountable for his appalling acts of cruelty against four innocent puppies. We are petitioning for Belton to face the maximum punishment allowable by law for the four cruelty charges stemming from this sadistic behavior. At sentencing, we want to see Belton prohibited from owning or residing with animals and ordered to undergo extensive mental health treatment.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

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April 22, 2024: Regarding not guilty verdict – Animal Victory requested an explanation to Justin Belton’s case outcome through a Freedom of Information Act request. Our request was denied because Belton was found not guilty. We are upset that nobody will release information about this case, and the unbelievable outcome. 

Final update 2/02/2024: Animal Victory is sad to report that Defendant Justin Reilly Belton was found not guilty by the grand jury and was released on December 1, 2023. The not guilty decision included all four charges 182421901010, 182422001010, 182422101010, 182422201010. We are dismayed by this verdict and are seeking answers from the court. 

Update 10/31/2023: This case has now been moved to the 486th district court. The next court date is 12/6/2023. This case status is still in discovery, and no judge has been assigned for the new court date. There will be a new prosecutor assigned given the case is now in Harris County. Harris County Criminal Justice Center, 486th District Court, 1201 Franklin, 14th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002

Update 10/10/23: Justin Reilly Belton has a new court arraignment for October 25, 2023.

Update 8/15/2023: The petition has been sent to the Judge, the District Attorney, and the Chief Prosecutor of the Animal Cruelty Division. 

Update 8/11/2023: Animal Victory has learned that court has been reset to August 22, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. in Court #337 on the 15th at 1201 Franklin in the Criminal Court building. 

Prior signatures: 17,434