Target: David Leyton, Genesee County Prosecutor
Goal: Secure maximum lawful penalties, lifetime animal-ownership bans, strict supervision, and restitution for the abandoned German shepherds left in a crate in Thread Lake.
Two German Shepherds were dumped in a black wire crate in Thread Lake off Lakewood Drive. Both escaped the submerged crate. One dog was later euthanized due to severe, untreatable injuries. The other needed emergency surgery after ingesting foreign bones. Crime Stoppers has increased the reward for tips that lead to an arrest. This case is solvable. It needs swift, visible action.
Abandoning dogs in a lake to drown reflects calculated disregard for life. Veterinary findings document emaciation and trauma. Surveillance timelines and witness accounts narrow the window of offense. These details justify filing every applicable count and seeking prohibitions that actually protect animals. Justice here deters the next copycat.
Meaningful accountability requires sentences that remove access to animals, limit contact with animals online, and mandate counseling. Restitution should cover veterinary care and shelter costs. Public transparency matters. A clear update on charging decisions and continued appeals for tips will help close the loop. Sign below to demand decisive prosecution and a lifetime animal-ownership ban for any responsible party.
‘PETITION LETTER:’
Dear Prosecutor David Leyton,
We respectfully urge your office to pursue the strongest lawful charges and sentencing in the Thread Lake case, where two German Shepherds were abandoned in a crate and left in the water. One dog was euthanized for severe injuries. The other required emergency surgery. These facts depict extreme cruelty.
Please seek all applicable counts and advocate for a sentence that includes a lifetime prohibition on owning or controlling animals, strict supervision with digital-access limits that prevent engagement with animal-abuse content, mandatory counseling, and full restitution for medical and shelter costs. Such measures protect future victims and send a clear deterrent message.
We also ask that your office provide a public update on the investigation and continue urging residents to share information. Accountability here will help restore community trust and affirm that deliberate cruelty will face decisive consequences.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: localpups
