Today’s sentencing of Memphis Lor underscores Davis County’s commitment to holding animal abusers accountable and protecting vulnerable animals from cruelty. The sentence—which includes 120 days at the Davis County Jail, $750 fine, $5,329 in restitution, and a probation period where he cannot have companion or service animals in his residence—provides a clear message that animal torture carries serious consequences and will not be tolerated.
“The severity and intense cruelty of this atrocious behavior shook everyone involved — from bystanders to staff and first responders,” said Director Michelle Hicks, Animal Care of Davis County. “Instead of safely surrendering or rehoming the mother and her puppies, the defendant chose a deliberate and violent course of action that endangered the animals and the public, ultimately resulting in the deaths of two puppies. The surviving animals are thriving because our incredible community intervened where the defendant failed. This was not a matter of circumstance, but of intentional choices. It is because of those heinous and heartless choices that we fully support the sentence imposed in this case.”
On October 22, 2025, Memphis Lor threw six (6) three-week-old puppies from a vehicle traveling at highway speeds on U.S. Highway 89, between Fruit Heights and Layton. Two puppies were killed, one was severely injured, and three puppies were rescued. The mother of the puppies, “Mama Otter,” was found abandoned near Bountiful Pond in a state of severe emaciation and neglect. The four puppies and their mother received necessary medical care and have since been placed in furever homes.
As part of a plea agreement with the Davis County Attorney’s Office on March 23, 2026, Lor plead guilty to four (4) third-degree felony counts of Torture of a Companion Animal. The remaining three (3) felony counts and one (1) misdemeanor count were dismissed.
Animal Care of Davis County extends its deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the case of Mama Otter and her puppies, from the initial rescue to their final happily-ever-after. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the vigilant community members who first alerted us, the swift response of the Davis County Sheriff’s Office, and the legal dedication of the Davis County Attorney’s Office. We are equally thankful for the incredible foster family who provided a safe haven for their recovery, and the wonderful adopters who ultimately welcomed them into forever homes. From start to finish, this was a true team effort, and we are profoundly grateful for our community’s compassion.
For reference, a copy of the victim impact statement shared with the court is attached.
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.
