Sign: Tyler Men Accused of Hanging Dog From Tree to Dodge Rent Hike

Published: April 20, 2026 at 05:15 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author

Tyler, Texas – Two men in Tyler, Texas, are accused of a horrific crime that claimed the life of an innocent dog. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Billy Darnell Perry, 33, and Jay Heath Stansberry, 17, used a leash to hang a white dog from the limb of a tree on private property near County Road 314, causing the dog’s death. The men told investigators that they killed the dog because “their landlord threatened to raise the rent due to the number of dogs inside the rental home.”

The manner in which this dog lost his life is heartbreaking. According to an arrest affidavit, Stansberry told investigators that Perry used the dog’s own leash to hang it from a tree after first attempting to strangle it. He also admitted to holding the dog’s leg while Perry carried out the act.

This dog likely followed his killers happily into the woods, unaware that they would soon betray him in the worst possible way.

These men made the deliberate decision to kill an innocent dog to avoid the possibility of paying more rent. They did not turn the dog over to a shelter or a rescue agency. They did not give the dog to a friend. They did not do anything sane, rational, OR legal. 

If you are heartsick over this cruel incident, please add your name to the petition to help Animal Victory ensure that these men are held accountable for their deplorable actions.

Decision Maker: Smith County District Attorney, Jacob Putman

Texas Animal Welfare Laws 2025

Why This Petition Matters

Stansberry and Perry made a deliberate decision to heartlessly kill an innocent dog because they were trying to avoid the possibility of their rent being increased. This dog suffered an inhumane, painful death because of these men and we demand that they face the maximum penalty by law for the charges stemming from this cruel incident. We further demand that both men be prohibited from owning or living with animals in the future.

Note: Stansberry and Perry are being held in the Smith County Jail on $100,000 bond each.

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Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.

Update :6.25.2026: Both men are currently held in the Smith County Jail on $100,000 bond each.The investigation is continuing, and the case is being forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Because this is a felony charge in Texas, it must go before a Grand Jury before a formal case number and court date are assigned. The indictment is expected by approximately mid-July 2026, within the 90-day window from the date of arrest.