Nevada man convicted of seven dog torture-killings eligible for parole

According to officials from the Nevada Department of Corrections, a man convicted of torturing, killing, and dismembering seven dogs will be eligible for possible release several years earlier than originally thought.

The corrections department had previously calculated that Jason Brown, 32-years-old, would not have a chance for parole until 2025 but now says that was legally incorrect under state law.The reason for the ruling being incorrect was that the crimes involved dogs rather than humans, according to the Reno Gazette Journal. “Animals are treated as personal property under Nevada law,” said department spokesman bill Quenga, adding that a designation of violence according to the law is only proper when the victim is human. The change reclassified Brown from a violent offender to a nonviolent offender, which meant credits like good behavior in prison could be applied.

The reason for the ruling being incorrect was that the crimes involved dogs rather than humans, according to the Reno Gazette Journal. “Animals are treated as personal property under Nevada law,” said department spokesman bill Quenga, adding that a designation of violence according to the law is only proper when the victim is human.

The change reclassified Brown from a violent offender to a nonviolent offender, which meant credits like good behavior in prison could be applied.

With credits applied, Brown’s eligibility for parole could have gone as far back as 2019, according to Quenga. A hearing of the Nevada Parole Board is set for April 11 for the consideration of his possible release. “Please note, however, parole eligibility does not guarantee an offender release on parole,” Quenga added.

Brown had been sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2015 after he pleaded no contest to seven felony counts regarding maiming, poisoning, or killing another person’s animal. He claimed he was a drug addict and could not recall the events.

As Brown’s sentencing hearing took place, owners of some of the dogs testified that they had sold Brown the puppies because he seemed like a normal, responsible individual when he responded to their Craig’s List ads.

On video played for the judge, where only audio could be heard by the court audience, Brown was heard telling friends he took the animals to his “house of pain” as he expressed his desire to turn them into a fur coat.

“We certainly disagree with releasing him earlier than the original 11 years for parole eligibility,” said Michelle Bays, the spokesperson for the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office. “We will be at the parole hearing to oppose his release now.”