Sign: Man Charged After Nailing Dog To Plywood Sign

Published: March 20, 2024 at 12:01 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

Searcy, Arkansas – On March 6, Sheriff’s deputies in White County arrested a man accused of nailing a dog to a plywood sign at the junction of Panther Creek and Fairview roads. The gruesome incident happened in November 2023, prompting the White County Sheriff’s Office to open an investigation.

Their investigative work led them to Franklin Scott Smith, 36, of Searcy. Smith claims that someone dropped an “aggressive” dog off on his property.

The affidavit states that he, “put the dog down as quickly and painlessly as possible” by shooting it after he said it was “aggressive to other animals, livestock, and his family.”

But a necropsy on the dead dog’s body revealed that the dog DID suffer and was not put down “painlessly.” The exam showed that the dog had gunshot wounds in the snout and rear leg/hip area and experts believe the dog was alive when Smith nailed him to the sign.

The affidavit states:

“Based on the location and nature of the gunshot wounds, they do not appear that they would have rendered the animal immediately deceased or without pain.”

Chuck Niementowski, with the local animal shelter, told The Daily Citizen:

“When they brought the dog to the shelter, the dog was still on that board. They had trouble removing the spikes and a shelter worker that received the dog was saying there was blood all over the place so that meant that had to happen Sunday morning or it wouldn’t be bleeding like that. It’s sort of like the crucification, the crucified-type thing where he nailed it to the board. I sure hope it was already dead.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Daily Citizen was sent an image of what was done to this dog. For those who want to view the entire image, it can be seen at: https://tinyurl.com/mvwc8evn

Franklin Scott Smith is charged with aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat, or equine, a Class D felony, along with a public display of obscenity and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. Smith is scheduled to appear in White County Circuit Court on April 2 for his plea and arraignment.

Class D felony
6 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine
ARK. CODE ANN. § 5-4-201(a)(2)
ARK. CODE ANN. § 5-4-401(a)(5)

If you are horrified by this gruesome incident, please add your name to the petition today!

We the undersigned demand that Franklin Scott Smith face the maximum sentence for the charges of aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat, or equine, a Class D felony, along with  public display of obscenity and disorderly conduct. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for Smith to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for shooting and torturing this dog, causing immeasurable pain and suffering. 

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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Update 3/10/2025: Pre-Trial Hearing for Franklin Scott Smith, Case #73CR-24-84 has been moved to 07/08/2025 at 9:00 a.m. Law Enforcement Center Courtroom, 17 Circuit Division 2, Judge Pate presiding. Prosecuting Attorney: John Pettie. Trial has been moved to: 08/18/2025 at 9:00 a.m. and 08/19/2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Update 3/3/2025: Animal Victory sent petition to the attorney with updated signatures. 

Update 12/31/2024: Pre-trial hearing for Franklin Scott Smith, Case #73CR-24-84 is at 03/04/2025 at 9:00 a.m. Law Enforcement Center Courtroom, 17 Circuit Division 2, Judge Pate presiding.Prosecuting Attorney: John.Pettie@arkansas.gov

Update 11/19/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the attorney and judge with updated signatures. 

Update 10/11/2024: Franklin Scott Smith, Case # 73CR-24-84. Next hearing is 12/04/2024 at 1:00 P.M. which is a pre-trial hearing. Location: White County Law Enforcement Center. This building is located at 1600 East Booth Searcy, Arkansas. Special Victims Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. John.Pettie@arkansas.gov.

Update 9/22/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the attorney and judge with updated signatures. 

Update 8/20/2024: The next Pre-Trial Hearing for Franklin Scott Smith is 10/09/2024 at 9:00 a.m. 17th Circuit Division 2.  Case ID:  73CR-24-84.  Smith has been charged with Aggravated Cruelty to a dog, cat, or horse.  Public Display of Obscenity, and Disorderly conduct.

Update 7/2/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the attorney and judge with updated signatures. 

Update 5/16/2024: Court case #73CR-24-84. The Pretrial hearing is scheduled on 8/14/2024 at 9:00 a.m. in White County, Searcy, Arkansas, Law Enforcement CTR Courtroom, Circuit Court, 17 Circuit Division 2. John D. Pettie is the prosecuting attorney.

Update 4/9/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the attorney and judge.