Dog Hung From Fence, Doused In Accelerant, Set On Fire; Punish Her Killer

Published: September 22, 2021 at 11:37 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Los Angeles, California – On August 22, a seven-year-old dog named Hennessy was hung from a fence, doused with an accelerant, and set on fire. The authorities have identified 24-year-old Brandon Jerold Smith, the dog’s owner, as the killer.

Hennessy’s death was not quick, or painless. After spending two days at an animal shelter, A Purposeful Rescue took the grievously injured corgi mix under its wing. Though she received round-the-clock care from an emergency veterinarian, her widespread burns proved to be fatal.

Carrie-Lynn Neales, a volunteer with the rescue group, said, “I’ve never witnessed something that horrific.”

The rescuers who tried to save her life had dubbed the injured dog, Eponine, from the strong female character in the play, Les Miserable. They had hoped she would have the strength to recover from her severe injuries, but their hope was not enough to save her. On September 8, the rescue group vowed to fight for justice, writing:

#justiceforeponine who we now know was named Hennesy.
We will NOT stop fighting for her and other innocent animals who suffer at the hands of individuals like this.

Before Hennessy died, the rescue group explained that she had suffered burns on literally ever portion of her body. They said, “Every single part. Inside her mouth, ears, paws, stomach, back, neck, nose.” Suffice to say, this dog suffered greatly before death released her from the unimaginable pain.

Smith’s ex-girlfriend, Serena Prentice, is horrified and disgusted by what happened, but she isn’t completely surprised. She alleges that Smith was burning birds alive this summer and posting videos of the cruel acts on social media.

The heartbroken woman expressed sorrow over Smith’s act of cruelty to their pet:

“I never thought that he’d do that to her, he would hurt me, but why her?”

Brandon Jerold Smith was arrested, and he is facing one felony count each for cruelty to animals and arson of property of another; we need your signature on the petition to help convince the court that this man deserves the maximum sentence for his charges. Hennessy was an innocent victim who did not deserve the cruelty to which she was subjected.

*Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

News:

NY Post

ABC 7 News

Los Angeles Times

Fox LA

Petition Letter

📅 Final Update – June 11, 2025
We are deeply disappointed to share that this case has been dismissed.

According to Prosecutor Samantha Borghi, the dismissal was issued by Judge Bianco, who oversaw the defendant’s competency hearing. Despite the prosecution’s efforts to keep the criminal case separate, the judge ruled that Smith be sent to a diversion program. After two years, the case was formally dismissed.

💔 These are the outcomes we fight so hard to prevent — and the reason we will never stop demanding justice for abused and neglected animals.

To everyone who signed our petition: Thank you. Your voice matters, and your support means everything.

Update 10/24/2024: Animal Victory sent updated signatures to the DA and the Court. 

Update 8/27/2024: Brandon Jerold Smith is in the Hollywood mental health program. The new case number assigned to him is ZM066141. Currently, Smith is considered incompetent (i.e., unable to understand the charges against him and/or the nature of his actions). His next hearing is scheduled for November 8, 2024, in Department 203, and is considered a “progress report” hearing. The goal is to restore his competency so that, if deemed competent, he can be returned to criminal court to face the charges against him.

Update 7/31/2024: Brandon Smith is still in a mental health diversion program through Hollywood Mental Health Court. The next court date is 8/8/24. Case # :COMTA155436-01. Information provided by Samantha Borghi, Deputy D.A. – Compton, Los Angeles. Email: sborghi@da.lacounty.gov.

Update 1/17/2023: Animal Victory spoke with the clerk of the court’s office. The case file notes indicate that there has been no further movement since the 9/28 mental health diversion hearing. Please continue to sign. ” Smith

Update 9/29/2022: Court has been delayed to November 15, 2022, because the public defender was not ready. 

IMPORTANT UPDATE 9/21/2022:  Animal Victory has been in communication with Deputy District Attorney, Samantha Borghi. We would like you to know that the next court date is 9/28/22 at the Hollywood Mental Health Court, 5925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles in department 203. The judge is James Bianco. The court is an open courthouse which means the public is allowed to be present. It generally starts at 8:30 am. 

The defendant has been found competent and should be returned to the criminal courts, but the judge in the mental health court has decided to keep the case there and consider a mental health diversion which would result in a dismissal of this case. DA Borghi will be present at the hearing and her office will be objecting to any diversionary offer. Hillary Rosen, founder of A Purposeful Rescue, and the person who took care of Hennessey has hand-delivered over 600 pages along with the petition to the courtroom to Judge James Bianco on September 23.

Below are notes and options for you to use your voice for the hearing:

• The hearing room is #203  
• CASE # ZM066141 Brandon Jerold Smith 
• They only let in 50 ppl to the hearing. 
• There is no parking lot /limited street parking 
• The nearest subway is Hollywood and vine & can walk. 1/2 mile. 
• We can also ATTEND (they will know we are
• There) via WEBEX APP code #1875267017
• Anyone can CALL in 213-306-3065 with the same code #1875267017 to listen. 
• Letters to the judge can be faxed to 492-247-3957
• Letters can be dropped off at 5925 Hollywood Blvd bet 8:30-4 pm in person. 
• NO EMAIL to the judge. They don’t have email. 

Update 9/12/2022: Revised: Animal Victory has sent 33,222 signatures to DA Samantha Borghi. The court is NOT on October 6 as previously mentioned. Please continue to sign.

Update 11/3/2021: Animal Victory has learned that the next scheduled court appearance is on October 6, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. at the Compton Courthouse. This is not a typo. The court date is in October 2022. At this time Animal Victory has sent 23,985 signatures and comments to DA Daniel Gerbo. Please continue to sign as we work on the case.

Animal-Protection-Laws-of-California-2020-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund

Prior Signatures 17,624