Jody Cothron, 39, entered the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL) Friday afternoon and asked to see all the cats that were available for adoption. Normally, a cat caregiver would have been present while Cothron was in the room with the adoptable cats, but the entire staff was busy trying to catch a dog that had gotten loose, so Cothron was alone in the cat room. Caretakers found Tilly, a small 3-year old cat, in her kennel with the door open, barely breathing. They rushed her to the veterinarian where she later died. Police have charged Jody Cothron with aggravated animal cruelty – a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of only $2,500 and a maximum of six months in jail! He was arrested on Monday and quickly released on bond. News stories have also reported that Cothron has asked on social media for free kittens. It's horrible to think what he could be capable of. Sadly, this man will probably only pay a fine for what he’s done and will face little to no jail time. The incident has BARL calling for stricter laws to protect animals in Mississippi and across the U.S. Animals have rights too. If Tilly was a human toddler, the man would get life. Why should Tilly's death be worth less in the eyes of the law? Sign and sentence this man to a life in prison before her kills again. Kittens, puppies, even babies could be next.