Animal Care of Davis County is providing an update regarding the October 2025 animal torture case involving Memphis Lor. On Monday, March 23, 2026, Lor entered a guilty plea to four (4) felony counts of Torture of a Companion Animal.
The charges stem from an egregious incident on U.S. Highway 89, where Lor intentionally threw six (6) three-week-old puppies from a moving vehicle, at highway speeds, between Fruit Heights and Layton. The mother of the puppies, named “Mama Otter” by the shelter, was later found abandoned near Bountiful Pond in a state of severe emaciation and neglect.
As part of a plea agreement with the Davis County Attorney’s Office, Lor pleaded guilty to four (4) third-degree felonies. The remaining three (3) felony counts and one (1) misdemeanor count were dismissed.
The survival of the remaining puppies and the recovery of Mama Otter would not have been possible without the swift community-led rescue actions of several Davis County residents. The vigilance of neighbors and drivers—who stopped to rescue the puppies and reported sightings of the emaciated mother on social media—allowed Animal Care Officers and the Davis County Sheriff’s Office to quickly intervene, provide care and shelter to the surviving animals, and identify the suspect.
“This incident is a reminder that Davis County residents show up and care about others, including animals,” said Director Michelle Hicks, Animal Care of Davis County. “We are particularly moved by the dedicated community members who stood with us in the courtroom during these proceedings. Their consistent presence ensured that the animals and their rights are not forgotten, and that our collective voice for justice is heard. Knowing these heartless actions have serious legal consequences is crucial to animal and human safety.”
While the plea is a significant step toward accountability, the legal process continues. Sentencing of Lor is currently scheduled for May 2026.
Animal Care of Davis County remains committed to the welfare of all animals in our jurisdiction and will continue to advocate for the protection of those who cannot speak for themselves.
About Animal Care of Davis County: Animal Care of Davis County is a “Socially Conscious Shelter” dedicated to providing compassionate care to animals and professional service to the citizens of Davis County. Our mission is to support public safety, find homes for homeless pets, and educate the community about responsible pet ownership. For more information about our shelter, please visit daviscountyutah.gov/animalcare or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/acdcpets.
