Calhoun County, AL – On Friday, April 17, 2026, following three hours of jury deliberation in the animal abuse case stemming from the Calhoun County Animal Shelter, Christopher Westmoreland was found guilty of aggravated animal abuse and practicing veterinary medicine without a license.
Testimony concluded Thursday after additional witnesses were called to the stand.
The first witness, Mallory Edwards, testified that she worked at the facility from 2021 to 2022 and was trained by Westmoreland. She stated that during her first month, she was brought into the euthanasia room and witnessed her first procedure. According to Edwards, the dog was fully awake and conscious when the heart-stick was performed. She went on to say she witnessed many similar procedures in the future, all performed using the same method, with each animal fully awake.
When she later learned the procedure was not correct, Edwards testified that she told Westmoreland she would no longer participate. She further testified that Westmoreland told her, “Don’t tell nobody.” Edwards also stated that she contacted County Commissioner Terry Howell—after his election but prior to him taking office—to inform him of what was occurring at the facility.
The next witness, Alicia Woods, was recalled for a second round of questioning. District Attorney Hammond introduced a letter as Exhibit 5B. Woods testified that she had originally written the letter and then read it aloud to the jury. The letter detailed various violations she claimed to have witnessed, including approximately 206 euthanasia procedures. According to the letter, some dogs remained alive for several minutes following the initial heart-stick.
Rachel Zeal, who worked at the shelter in 2021, testified next. She described witnessing the euthanasia of a dog she had grown fond of, named “Mr. Wobbles.” Zeal explained that the dog had previously been struck by a car, resulting in improperly healed bones that affected his gait. She testified that “Mr. Wobbles” was awake and alert when the heart-stick was performed. According to Zeal, the dog did not die quickly and attempted to walk around the room, requiring additional injections before passing.
The final witness was called as an expert witness. Dr. Robert Deaton, a licensed veterinarian in Alabama since 2013, works in both Walker and Cherokee counties as the consulting veterinarian for their animal shelters. He testified that all Registered Animal Euthanasia Facilities (RAEFs) and veterinarians fall under the Alabama Veterinary Practice Act, which outlines the laws that are enforced.
During his testimony, Dr. Deaton explained that, by law, only a licensed veterinarian may administer rabies vaccinations due to how they are tracked locally and nationally. He also stated that intracardiac injections, or “heart-sticks,” may only be performed humanely on animals that are properly anesthetized.
The witness was released, and the case was adjourned for the day.
Proceedings resumed Friday morning, with the State resting its case. The defense also announced it would not call any witnesses and subsequently rested.
After the closing arguments, the case was submitted to the jury, which returned guilty verdicts on all charges after approximately three hours of deliberation, concluding the trial. Westmoreland now awaits sentencing, which will be on May 8th. He is currently remanded to the county jail. District Attorney Lynn Hammond spoke to the Calhoun Journal and stated, “The jury’s verdict sends a clear message that Calhoun County will not tolerate cruelty to animals. Today’s decision gives a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.”
