PENDER COUNTY -- More than a thousand people are joining together to honor a 5-month-old puppy that died from abuse.

The private Facebook page "Justice for Axel" is encouraging people to become involved in animal rights.

Medical reports show Axel died Christmas Day after being violently beaten.

“That’s a lot of anger to take out on an innocent 5-month-old puppy, and I’m sorry, but a 5-month-old puppy does not attack people,” said page creator and animal rights activist Rosey Milazzo.

On Tuesday, 21-year-old Christopher Simpson made his first appearance inside the New Hanover County Courthouse.

Simpson is is charged with cruelty to animals.

"This needs to be fixed. This needs to be brought up. The sun needs to shine on it. We need some attention and especially somebody who seems to be or seems to be heading in the direction of being a serial abuser,” said animal rights activist Christie.

Simpson’s criminal record shows he has a prior charge of injuring a 3-month-old kitten.

And on Tuesday a judge re-arrested Simpson who was out on bail and set the re-bail at $1,000.

After helping over hundred dogs herself, Milazzo will continue to follow this case to make sure justice is served for Axel.

“There’s no excuse good enough that warranted what he did,” said Milazzo.

Simpson will be in court again Feb. 8.