Target: Barry Staubus, District Attorney for Sullivan County, TN
Goal: Prosecute dog trainer accused of deadly neglect to fullest extent.
The tragedy that befell actor Gene Hackman and his wife took another heart-wrenching turn when a pet dog was discovered dead in a crate near the deceased couple. This animal likely starved and endured a slow, painful death. In at least two states, a woman who advertised herself as a trainer and caretaker of canines is accused of intentionally inflicting the same agony on multiple dogs.
Charisma Johnston, a self-described dog trainer, was accused of locking at least 11 dogs (including several puppies) in crates and kennels and depriving the animals of food and water. The investigation into Johnston began in two North Carolina counties after numerous concerned dog owners who had hired Johnston called authorities. Months later, animal cruelty charges were filed against Johnston in Tennessee. One alarmed owner reported that after multiple attempts to contact Johnston (who was supposed to be boarding and training the woman’s dog), the woman went to retrieve her dog only to apparently find the pet severely emaciated and with serious foot injuries. Another dog allegedly died under Johnston’s “care.”
Multiple criminal cases are moving through the court systems, with a case in Tennessee scheduled for an important court date. Despite the many charges against her, Johnston was released on a relatively low bond. Sign the petition below to ensure prosecutors do not give any more leeway to this alleged serial animal abuser.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Staubus,
Charisma Johnson has been indicted on several charges of fraud and deceptive business practices in both North Carolina and Tennessee. But this woman’s alleged crimes did not just take a financial toll. They reportedly led to the suffering and – in some cases – deaths of innocent living beings. If the accusations against her prove true, Johnston was no dog trainer. She allegedly was a repeat and malicious animal abuser of the highest order.
Several dog owners who were apparently deceived by Johnston have spoken out on behalf of the reported victims who cannot speak for themselves. Please make these voices heard in the courtroom. This suspect allegedly violated the responsibility entrusted to her by pet parents in the worst possible way. Do not let this tragedy become another Off Leash K-9: a local case in which a dog trainer convicted of contributing to the death of a puppy was given probation. Seek vigorous prosecution and the maximum possible penalty if a guilty verdict is reached in Johnston’s case.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Hilary Halliwell
