Sign: Puppy Died After Her Owners Subjected Her to Ongoing, Brutal Beatings

Published: December 04, 2025 at 06:06 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author

Atlanta, Georgia – A puppy named Hailey had to be humanely euthanized in November 2025 after suffering horrific, repeated beatings at the hands of her owners. The cruelty she endured left her body shattered and beyond saving. According to the Fulton County police, Hailey’s devastating injuries were the result of abuse dealt by Elijah Cox, 23, and Chakyra Stanford, 20.

The couple tried claiming their five-month-old puppy suffered the devastating injuries from being hit by a car, but the truth was much more sinister. Their young pet had been subjected to unimaginable abuse that resulted in her hips, jaw, eye sockets, legs, and multiple ribs being broken. A veterinary exam revealed inconsistencies with the “hit by a car” claim, prompting a deeper dive into how Hailey suffered such horrific injuries.

The Miami Valley Pit Crew rescue group did their utmost to mend Hailey’s broken body, but veterinarians confirmed that the battered little puppy could not be saved. In a heartbreaking social media post, the rescue organization outlined the veterinary findings, and how the difficult decision to euthanize Hailey was made:

After many sets of X-rays, CT scans, lab work, and a thorough evaluation by the orthopedic surgeon, it was determined that Hailey had absolutely no quality of life even with intervention due to the amount of breaks in her tiny body.
8 rib fractures, 2 broken eye sockets, multiple breaks in her spine, breaks in her front and back legs. The injuries were overwhelming. And to make matters worse, he stated out of all the injuries the only “new” ones were her legs. She had been battered repeatedly and for many months.
The determining factor in all of this was the break at the base of her head where cartilage and bone was protruding into her brain. Over time this would cause significant neurological deficits that would eventually end her life. The Dr stated he didn’t know how she was even still alive, and at that point, refused to proceed with any kind of surgical intervention, leaving us with the only option – to end her suffering.

Investigators spoke to neighbors of Cox and Stanford, and they were told that they heard “whipping noises… and then dogs screaming.” This puppy was like all puppies. She wanted to love and be loved. Instead, the people she trusted subjected her to unimaginable abuse, betraying her in the worst possible way.

Police scoured the couple’s social media accounts and obtained enough evidence to secure a search warrant for their residence. At the home, they found another abused dog with a broken leg, and items that were apparently used as weapons against their pets. The surviving dog, Hayden, was removed from the home and is recovering with a new family.

Elijah Cox and Chakyra Stanford are facing felony aggravated animal cruelty charges for what they did to Hailey and Hayden. Please add your name to the petition to hold this pair accountable for the pain and suffering they inflicted on these two innocent dogs!

Decision Maker: Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Elijah Cox and Chakyra Stanford be held accountable for the ongoing abuse that caused a puppy named Hailey to suffer injuries too severe for survival. This couple subjected their puppy to unfathomable suffering, and they must face actual consequences. It is our collective demand that Cox and Stanford face the maximum sentence for the felony animal cruelty charges stemming from their abuse of Hailey and Hayden. We also demand that this couple be permanently banned from owning, residing with, or working with animals. Laws must recognize the actual seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these brutal acts are held fully accountable. This case is not just about the severe abuse of two pets it is about the precedent we set for justice.

Research shows a clear link between animal cruelty and human violence. Those who harm animals often pose a danger to people as well. Failing to hold these individuals accountable not only denies justice to the dog who suffered a miserable death but also puts the entire community at risk.

This petition is based on information from police and public officials. Details may change as investigations continue. If charges are modified, dropped, or expunged, Animal Victory will update upon verified documentation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

News

WSB Atlanta

Update 12/16/2025: Case number for both Chakyra Stanford and Elijah Cox has changed to Case #25SC007819 – this case has been moved to the Superior Court. Chakyra Stanford’s attorney made a motion for a bond.  Elijah Cox’s attorney requested removal from Cox’s case.  Cox will have an additional preliminary hearing on December 18, 2025, in Courtroom 1B before Judge Todd Ashley.  Animal Victory has left a second message with the Fulton County D.A.’s office to find out who is prosecuting this case.