Mugshot; Pep, The Cat-Murdering Dog

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    "Pep, The Cat-Murdering Dog" was a black Labrador Retriever admitted to Eastern State Penitentiary on August 12, 1924. Prison folklore tells us that Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot used his executive powers to sentence Pep to Life Without Parole for killing his wife’s cherished cat. Prison records support this story: Pep’s inmate number (C-2559) is skipped in prison intake logs and inmate records. The Governor told a different story. He said Pep had been sent to Eastern to act as a mascot for the prisoners. He and the Warden, Herbert “Hard-Boiled” Smith, were friends. Pep was much loved, and lived among the inmates at Eastern State for about a decade. While the truth may never be known, in photographs Pep—with his head down and ears back--looks GUILTY.

    Tumbalalaika, Barnabas C.Sheridan, and 13 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    1. * Eartha Kitsch * 17 months ago | reply

      That's wild! I bet he really did get lots of loving there.

    2. Cat Shilova 17 months ago | reply

      A dog convict.... thats extraordinary :)
      I largely prefer the second version of the story :)

    3. galaxiegrace 17 months ago | reply

      God bless him! LOL That is the cutest pic I've ever seen!

    4. Sonatta Morales 17 months ago | reply

      awww but they all look guilty

    5. okierunner67 6 months ago | reply

      Is this the original "dog shaming"? That is great ` no matter what the story is.

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