NEWPORT, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— A disturbing animal cruelty case in Cocke County is prompting renewed calls for stronger penalties for those convicted of abuse.
Eddie McCoig was arrested in May following an incident on Action Street in Newport on May 20. According to an investigative report, McCoig admitted to shooting his dog, cutting its throat, skinning it, and intending to eat it.
Sara Kenney, a board member with the Smoky Mountain Humane Society, described the case as one of the most severe she has encountered in her six years of volunteer work.
“It’s probably the worst thing we’ve ever seen,” Kenney said, calling the alleged actions deeply troubling.
Kenney says cases like this highlight the need for stricter enforcement and penalties, noting that many animal abuse cases are resolved before ever reaching a judge. She wants to see more cases fully presented in court so the severity of the abuse can be understood.
“We want to be that voice in the courtroom for them,” she said.
Cocke County Sheriff C.J. Ball said he hopes the case will serve as a warning, but acknowledged that current Tennessee law limits sentencing options. McCoig is charged with a Class E felony, which carries a maximum sentence of up to six years in prison and could include restrictions on owning animals.
Kenney said she is encouraged by the swift action taken by law enforcement and plans to continue advocating for stronger protections for animals across the region.
The case remains pending, and prosecutors have not yet commented.
