Victim Speaks Out Against Parole for Kentucky's First Felony Animal Torturer

After serving only two-and-a-half years of a twelve year sentence for animal torture and breaking and entering, Russell Swigart is up for parole. Swigart was the first person to be convicted in Kentucky under Romeo’s Law, a law that made animal torture a felony offense. For his crimes, Swigart faced up to 30 years in prison.

Bridgett Wright, whose cats were the victims of Swigart, has a hearing on February 14th to urge the Kentucky Parole Board to deny parole. Her intention is to enter the hearing room armed with petition signatures from 1,000 supporters. In less than three days, her petition on Change.org has surpassed that goal.

Swigart has a long history of using violence against animals to intimidate and threaten women. He has multiple domestic violence convictions and exacts revenge on his victims by torturing and killing their animals.

As evidence against Swigart’s parole, attorney Justin Sanders produced research from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals showing the link between animal abuse and violence against humans. Conclusions from the study show that a person with a history of animal abuse is five times more likely to commit violence against people. "It is not unreasonable to believe that [Swigart] may even be a serial killer in the making," Sanders wrote.

Bridgett and her cats became victims of Swigart following a brief relationship. After severing ties, Swigart began to harass Bridgett with threatening text messages. On September 25, 2008, Bridgett received a series of disturbing text messages while out of town on business. Swigart claimed he knew where she lived and wanted her dead. In the final text, Swigart bragged about killing her cats, Mr. Frank and Piggy, by stabbing them to death.

A third cat, Alley, escaped harm by hiding in the condo. “Alley is my survivor,” Bridgett said. But the experience has changed Alley, as is often the unfortunate reality for survivors of violence. Bridgett notices that “Alley is extremely edgy and fearful. She hides if I have guests over and shudders at the sound of any loud noise.”

Bridgett has set up a website dedicated to Mr. Frank and Piggy. Having been a victim of such a terrifying experience that was born out of revenge, Bridgett believes in advocating for others in similar situations.

The Kentucky Chapter of Humane Society of the United States played a vital role in the passage of Romeo’s Law. Only in place for the last two years, it is too early to tell how much of an impact the law will have on animal torture convictions. But already Pamela Rogers, Director of HSUS’s Kentucky Chapter, has noticed a difference. “Some of these horrendous crimes have been given more serious attention by law enforcement,” she told me during a phone conversation.

Even with the passing of Romeo’s Law, Kentucky still remains at the bottom of the states when it comes to animal cruelty laws. However, the law “sends a message to potential abusers and will be more of a deterrent,” said Rogers.

But only if it's strongly enforced. As someone who repeatedly uses violence against women and animals, Swigart was lucky to receive a sentence of only 12 years. Even if most of the sentence time was for the breaking and entering charge. The Kentucky Parole Board should be compelled to keep him behind bars for the duration of the sentence, for the safety of women and animals alike.

Photo Credit: Bridgett Wright