Target: Jason Lawson, District Attorney General of the Fifteenth Judicial District, Tennessee
Goal: Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the individual charged with aggravated animal cruelty after his dog was allegedly discovered malnourished with a gunshot wound to the head.
A dog was reported as malnourished with an open wound on his head. When deputies investigated and took him to a veterinarian it was reported that gunshot had been inflicted on the animal who was already suffering from malnutrition. The dog was ultimately euthanized because of the severity of his injuries and physical condition — allegedly denied proper food, then shot in the head, and ultimately unable to survive the combined toll of both. The dog’s owner was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty following a warrant obtained after the investigation established sufficient evidence.
Tennessee’s aggravated animal cruelty statutes exist for exactly these circumstances, and the District Attorney General’s Office must pursue this prosecution with every available tool. Sign this petition to demand maximum accountability for the alleged torture and death of this dog.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Lawson,
We are writing to urge your office to pursue the maximum penalties available under Tennessee law against the individual charged with aggravated animal cruelty following the discovery of his dog — reportedly malnourished with a gunshot wound to the head — who was subsequently euthanized. According to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after reports of a malnourished dog were received, and when deputies located the animal and transported him to a veterinarian, the wound on his head was determined to be from a gunshot.
We respectfully but firmly demand that your office pursue conviction and the maximum available sentencing in this case. This dog was allegedly failed by the one person he depended on — it is now the justice system’s responsibility to ensure that failure carries serious and lasting consequences.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Magda Ehlers
