Sign: Two Officers Charged After Shocking Discovery of Lifeless K9 in Doghouse

Published: April 28, 2025 at 08:10 PM Author: Penny Eims

Little Rock, Arkansas – A retired K9 suffered a cruel end while in the “care” of two Greene County Detention officers. On April 13, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip via their website tip line concerning the possible maltreatment of retired K9 Bane, a former K9 officer with the office. The next day, members of the Criminal Investigation Division visited the home of Ethan Huffstetler, a Greene County Detention Center officer.

In a news release, the authorities recounted the investigators’ grim discovery:

Retired K9 Bane was found deceased in his igloo doghouse, not chained or secured to anything. He was found in an advanced state of decomposition, indicating that he had been deceased for quite some time. Huffstetler advised detectives that it had been four to five days since he last checked on retired K9 Bane and stated that he did not have food for the retired K9.

Huffstetler’s roommate, Payton Johson, another Greene County Detention officer, is facing charges as well. The news release explains Johnson’s connection and culpability:

Johnson has a dog of his own and advised detectives that he lets the dog out in the backyard two to three times a day. Johnson stated that he last saw K9 Bane approximately one week ago in his kennel. Johnson noted that he did not know K9 Bane’s condition. Due to the advanced state of decomposition of retired K9 Bane and the proximity of the kennel to the residence, it is not feasible that Johnson was unaware of retired K9 Bane’s condition.

K9 Bane, who was certified in drug detection, tracking, apprehension, and article search, retired from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 at the age of seven. The retired K9 should have been enjoying his golden years, but instead, he was neglected to the point of literal death.

Both Huffstetler and Johnson have been charged with one count each of the following:

Aggravated Cruelty to a Dog, Cat, or Equine” (A.C.A. 5-62-104), a Class D Felony, and Right to be Accompanied by Service Animal — Penalty and Restitution for Killing or Injuring a Service Animal or Search and Rescue Dog” (A.C.A. 20-14-304), a Class D Felony.

If you are disgusted by what these men did, please add your name to the petition to hold them accountable. K9 Bane deserved better. Instead of being honored for his years of service, he was cast aside and treated like unwanted trash. He paid with his life, and now Huffstetler and Johnson must pay.

Target: Greene County Prosecuting Attorney

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Huffstetler and Johnson be held accountable for their disgraceful neglect, causing K9 Bane’s suffering and death. We collectively insist that these men NOT receive a plea deal – they callously betrayed a retired K9 officer, causing his death, and they must be prosecuted for every charge that they incurred.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold these men accountable not only denies justice for K9 Bane’s suffering and death but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

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.

Note: District Judge Dan Stidham found probable cause of the charges and set Huffstetler’s bond at $20,000 cash only, and Johnson’s bond at $10,000 cash or surety. Huffstetler and Johnson are being held in a neighboring county’s facility due to their connection to our facility. Both Huffstetler and Johnson have been relieved of their positions with the Greene County Detention Center.

News:

KATV

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Update 10/20/2025: Ethan Thomas Huffstetler, Case #28CR-25-236, motion and plea day has been scheduled on December 30, 2025, and Jury Trial for January 5-9, 2026.

Update 10/3/2025: Ethan Thomas Huffstetler, Case #28CR-25-236, has not pled as of today. However, Payton Austin Ray Johnson, Case #28CR-25-237, motion and plea day has been moved to 12/31/2025, and his jury trial has been rescheduled to January 6, 2026.

Update 7/1/2025: Ethan Thomas Huffstetler, Case #28CR-25-236, Motion and Plea date – October 3, 2025. Trial Docket week of October 20, 2025. Payton Austin Ray Johnson, Case #28CR-25-237, Motion and Plea date – October 3, 2025. Trial Docket week of October 20, 2025.

Update 6/5/2025: Animal Victory sent petition to the Judge and DA. 

Update 5/30/2025: Case #28CR-25-236 Ethan Thomas Huffstetler. Huffstetler has been charged with two felonies: 1) Aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat, or equine, 1st offense, and 2) Killing an animal used by a law enforcement agency. Next appearance June 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Lead Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood and Wesley Bryan Watts.

Case #28CR-25-237: Payton Austin Ray Johnson is also scheduled for trial on June 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM and is charged with two felonies. 1) Aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat, or equine, 1st offense, and 2) Killing an animal used by a law enforcement agency. Lead Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood and Wesley Bryan Watts