Teen Tied Family’s Dog To Tree, Repeatedly Slashed Pet To Death With Sword

Published: November 12, 2021 at 12:47 AM Author: iamgeeb

Lake County, Florida – A Florida teenager is accused of a horrific act of cruelty that claimed the life of his family’s pet dog. The 17-year-old allegedly tied his family’s retriever mix to a tree in a wooded area near his home, then used a katana-style sword to repeatedly slash the dog to death.

The teenager’s mother and step-father contacted the Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, November 7, to let them know that the boy had admitted to killing the family dog. According to the parents, the teenager had a “history of violence,” and they admitted to fearing for their safety, as well as for the safety of their other kids, and pets.

Responding deputies found a sword in the boy’s bedroom, hidden between the mattress and box-spring of his bed. The weapon still had blood and fur on it. The dog’s body was found in a wooded area not far from the family’s home. The deputy’s police report stated that the dog had died  “a very inhumane and cruel death.”

Deputies said that the dog’s body had multiple stab and slash wounds, and that part of the canine’s face was missing; the wounds were determined to be consistent with the sword that was found in the teenager’s bedroom.

The teenager, whose identity has not been publicly released due to his age, was booked into the Lake County Jail on a third-degree felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty. He was then transferred to the Lifestream Behavioral Center for involuntary commitment.

It goes without saying…this was an appalling act of cruelty. Not only does this young man need to pay for what he did, but he also needs mental help to prevent him from hurting anyone else. Please add your name to this petition as we fight for maximum punishment for the aggravated animal cruelty charge. We will also be demanding a full mental evaluation and requesting psychiatric help, in addition to a lifetime ban on pet ownership.

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

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Final Update 10/20/2025: Animal Victory spoke to prosecuting attorney Jamie McManus on 10/16/2025. Defendant Avery Featherston, the 17-year-old defendant who tied the family dog to a tree and repeatedly slashed the family dog to death, was prosecuted as an adult – this was also at the request of the defendant’s family. Featherston faced a third-degree felony for aggravated animal cruelty. Unfortunately, the defendant was sentenced without the case being adjudicated. While Attorney Jamie McManus fought for prison time for the defendant, Judge G. Richard Singletary refused and gave the Featherston a 5-year probation sentence. During the time of probation, Featherston was not allowed to own, be around pets or animals, foster pets, or transport pets for 5 years. Attorney McManus brought in a forensic veterinarian who detailed before the judge the horrific death this poor dog suffered. Did not matter to the judge. The judge also ruled that there could be no early termination of the probation. Featherston has to do the full five years on probation. He also had to undergo drug testing and treatment as well as mental health counseling and treatment. 

“When a case is dispositioned without adjudication, it means the court has not entered a formal finding of guilt. Instead, the defendant is typically placed on a probationary period or other rehabilitative program with conditions. If the conditions are successfully met, the case may be dismissed, avoiding a criminal conviction on the record. However, failing to comply can result in a guilty finding and the original charges being brought back for sentencing.”

Animal Victory is deeply disappointed in the case outcome, but we thank you for your support!

Update: Animal Victory has sent 20,543 signatures to Sheriff Peyton Grinnell and Sergeant Earl Ray.  

Prior Signatures 20,543