top of page

RICHARD LEE TYLER RUSSELL arrested for burning a live kitten who later died

- Tennessee, USA -


On Monday, September 19, 2022, Portland Police and Animal Control responded to a report of an injured animal on Strawberry Street, in Portland.


On the scene, officers made contact with the reporting party who showed them a kitten who appeared to be burned, and in poor health as a result.


According to a press release by Portland Police obtained by Voice For Us, 39-years-old RICHARD LEE TYLER RUSSELL (pictured), “was determined to be the individual who previously had custody of the kitten, prior to the complainant's call to the police.”


The kitten had apparently been injured on Saturday, September 17, 2022, in a fire pit behind a residence on Strawberry Street. RUSSELL had failed to obtain any medical attention for the furbaby who was left injured until he was finally found two days later.

Animal Control took the VOICELESS VICTIM to True Rescue of Mount Juliet.


In a Facebook post True Rescue said: “There is not one part of his little body not singed or burned. …………….This will likely be a long road of recovery for him, so we are in need of a medical foster once released from VetMed. Of course we are staying positive because this guy is a fighter and deserves every chance at life. We have named him Phoenix, because we do believe he will rise from the ashes and become new again.”


Sadly, Phoenix did not make it.


Before announcing his death, True Rescue had posted a hopeful update that read: “We brought Phoenix back from the vet this evening, and he is with a staff member tonight. Our vet said that right now he is in a “wait and see” period. His front feet are extremely damaged, and one leg in particular is likely to get an amputation, as there is no indication of feeling in the leg whatsoever. The other front leg is problematic as well. He is on pain meds as well as antibiotics, and will need quiet bedrest for a week before re-evaluating. His latest report is that he has pooped on his own, has eaten a bit of food on his own, and is extremely exhausted, as we can only imagine. Our vet, Dr. Gables, related the entire burn situation to chess, as he explained....we have to wait until the wounds make a move, then we make a move...and so on and so forth. Get ready for check mate, because this little guy is fighting for his life!”


RUSSELL was located by PPD detectives and interviewed regarding the incident.

Police said RUSSELL made no admissions about injuring Phoenix “but gave an account of the incident that was not credible.”


RUSSELL, a human trash, was arrested on September 23, 2022, and charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty.

He is being held in the Sumner County Jail pending a court date of November 9, 2022, in Sumner County General Sessions Court on a $25,000 bond.


I will never get tired of saying that Voice For Us is in favor of the death penalty for animal abusers.

Scum like RUSSELL do not deserve a second chance in life. They are society’s vomit and the only thing they deserve is to rot in hell along with those judges and lawmakers who do not take animal cruelty seriously!


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.

Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.



Phoenix's pictures shared from True Rescue



Additional Source:




126 views1 comment
bottom of page