Dylan Sellers, 29, and Amanda McCoy, 36, from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, are facing multiple charges, including four felonies and eight misdemeanors, related to a disturbing case of animal cruelty involving their children’s pet ferret. State Police allege that the couple killed the animal as a punishment for their kids missing curfew.
The incident reportedly occurred in September 2024, but was not disclosed to authorities until February 14, when the couple’s 16-year-old son came forward. He recounted that he and his sister were late coming home and, unable to reach their parents due to dead phones, faced the couple’s anger upon their return. The following morning, while the siblings were playing with their ferret, Sellers allegedly shot the animal with a BB gun twice after it survived the first shot. He reportedly followed this by kicking the ferret’s body across the floor and remarked to the children, “now we’re even.”
The victim described the traumatic experience of watching their pet die and the subsequent obligation to clean the bloodstains left behind. McCoy, according to the report, disposed of the corpse in the trash. The boy later retrieved the ferret’s body and buried it in the backyard, honoring it with a blanket and rubber duck.
A forensic examination, following a police search warrant executed on March 20, revealed that the ferret had been shot four times, with the first shot inflicting significant pain and neurological distress. The ferret ultimately died from asphyxiation or circulatory collapse, highlighting the intense suffering it endured.
Sellers and McCoy were arraigned recently, with bail set at $25,000 each by Magisterial District Judge Kelly Rock. This case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the need for responsible pet ownership.
The emotional toll on the children involved is profound, illustrating the need for supportive resources for young victims of domestic or family violence. As society becomes more sensitive to issues of animal cruelty, these types of incidents can potentially lead to broader discussions about mental health and the necessity of compassion within families.