Target: Nicole W. Ziccarelli, District Attorney of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Goal: Seek maximum penalties, lifetime animal-ownership bans, restitution, and mandated counseling for the defendants allegedly responsible for starving, beating, and neglecting dogs to death.
Neighbors’ surveillance cameras reportedly captured repeated assaults on several dogs: kicking, choking, throwing, and dragging across a yard as anguished cries rang out. A small dog was allegedly found chained to a tree on a short tether, swarmed by flies and ants, with no visible food or water. Inside, a puppy was reportedly caged and underweight—ribs and hips protruding—while an adult dog was said to be isolated in a basement without access to food or water despite a full container nearby. Two deceased dogs were later exhumed; necropsies purportedly indicated long-term starvation, and one reportedly had a broken jaw.
Investigators and humane officers described conditions as deplorable: severe malnourishment, parasites, and stunted growth that apparently took months to develop. Charges now include aggravated cruelty, torture, and neglect. Three surviving dogs have since received care and rehabilitation, but the reported suffering they endured underscores the gravity of this case.
Meaningful accountability is essential to protect animals and deter future abuse. Sign below to demand the prosecuting authority pursue the strongest lawful consequences available including incarceration where appropriate, lifetime bans on owning or keeping animals, substantial restitution for veterinary and rescue costs, mandatory psychological evaluation and treatment, and community service with no animal contact. The community expects a firm response that reflects the severity of the allegedly documented cruelty.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Ziccarelli,
We are writing regarding a case in which surveillance footage reportedly showed dogs being kicked, choked, thrown, and dragged, with their cries clearly audible. Responders also allegedly found a small dog chained on a short tether without visible food or water, a severely underweight puppy confined in a cage, and an adult dog isolated in a basement without access to sustenance. Two deceased dogs were later exhumed; necropsy findings purportedly indicated long-term starvation, with one reportedly suffering a broken jaw.
These accounts, if proven, depict prolonged cruelty and neglect. We respectfully urge your office to prosecute this matter vigorously, seek maximum penalties on all eligible counts, and oppose any plea arrangements that would minimize the seriousness of the alleged offenses.
We also ask that you advocate for robust sentencing conditions: lifetime bans on animal ownership, restitution to cover medical and caregiving costs, court-ordered psychological evaluation and treatment, and community service that excludes any contact with animals, along with compliance monitoring. Such measures would help safeguard animals and send a clear message that alleged acts of this nature will be met with decisive action.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Doryana02
