This story turns my stomach, but I think it’s important to share it because of the statute under which the perpetrator may be punished if found guilty.
Cleveland’s WKYC.com is reporting on an Alliance, Ohio man who was seen throwing a dog into a fire pit. Witnesses say the dog was later seen, on fire, running around the man’s yard. By the time police arrived, the dog’s dead body was found in the man’s fire pit. Ownership of the dog remains unclear.
This man is the first person charged under Ohio’s new Goddard Law, named after TV weather man and animal activist Dick Goddard. The law elevates acts of cruelty to companion animals from a misdemeanor to a felony, with a sentence of up to 1 year in jail and a fine of $2,500.
The man pleaded not guilty, saying he is an animal lover and was passed-out drunk at the time the events allegedly occurred. He is currently free on bond.
This story comes on the heels of a Facebook post showing boys in Argentina proudly holding the ears they had just lopped off of a dog. The dog with his bloody head sat quietly next to them. No, I’m not going to provide you with a link to that nightmarish picture.
Whenever I see stories like these, and I see them every day because I have a news alert set to bring me dog-related news, it makes me wonder what has gone wrong in these people’s lives that makes them think it’s okay to do these things.
Please say an extra prayer today for all animals living in abusive conditions. Rescue or donate to rescue organizations if you can.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!