A half dozen animal rights activists protested Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, outside Reno Justice Court where Jason Brown, 24, was to appear later in the day at a status hearing on charges accusing him of torturing and killing several dogs in July. Leaders of Nevada Voters for Animals are urging the maximum punishment if Brown is convicted of all seven counts, which could total more than 20 years in prison. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner). (The Associated Press)
RENO, Nev. – Animal rights activists rallied outside a courthouse before a judge set a preliminary hearing next month for a 24-year-old man accused of beheading and dismembering several dogs.
Jason Brown faces seven felony counts of willfully torturing and killing dogs and two counts of possessing methamphetamine. If convicted of all counts, he could face more than 20 years in prison.
A half-dozen members of Nevada Voters for Animals said they were demonstrating in support of the maximum punishment if Brown is convicted. Outside court Thursday in Reno, they waved signs at passing traffic that said, "Accountability for Animal Cruelty."
Justice of the Peace Patricia Lynch set Brown's preliminary hearing for Nov. 18.
His lawyer, John Oakes, didn't immediately return a telephone call or email seeking comment
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