Target: Daniel Rubinstein, District Attorney of Mesa County, Colorado
Goal: Prosecute man accused of punching puppy and inflicting severe injuries to fullest extent.
When Colorado deputies responded to a call of potential animal abuse in Mesa County, they reported a disturbing sight: a tied-up four-month-old puppy with visible injuries to the legs and stomach. The man living at the residence, Cody Wardell, had been witnessed allegedly throwing the young dog from a porch with force. The eyewitness claimed that Wardell then restrained the pup and struck the animal multiple times. After authorities questioned him, Wardell reportedly admitted to the series of events.
The puppy’s injuries were apparently so severe that emergency surgery was needed to save both the dog’s leg and life. Unfortunately, Wardell was charged with a misdemeanor. Under state law, most animal cruelty offenses only qualify for this charge on a first offense. A felony aggravated animal cruelty charge is available in the state, but prosecutors did not seek this more stringent punishment.
Sign the petition below to demand the county’s legal leaders take a second look at this troubling oversight.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Rubenstein,
Under state law, a charge of aggravated animal cruelty can be brought if the reported victim was tortured, mutilated, or killed. In the case of Cody Wardell, a case for all three qualifications could be made. The small puppy in the case received life-threatening injuries from an alleged beating. This animal was reportedly restrained and pummeled repeatedly, which a rational person might consider torture. And the puppy’s leg was apparently maimed (or mutilated) to the point where only surgery could save it.
Despite all of these aggravating factors, the suspect only faces a misdemeanor charge. Do better. Reevaluate this case and consider applying charges that truly reflect the grave nature of the alleged offense.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Matheus Bertelli
