Target: Nathan Hochman, District Attorney of Los Angeles County, California
Goal: Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the man charged with throwing his girlfriend’s four-year-old terrier mix off an apartment balcony.
A man allegedly threw his girlfriend’s four-year-old terrier mix named Charlie off an apartment balcony in Hollywood, causing her to strike the concrete and die. A medical examination of Charlie following the incident reportedly revealed healing injuries consistent with prior abuse — suggesting this was not her first experience of violence, and that her suffering predated the moment of her death. The accused faces two felony counts of domestic violence against his girlfriend, one felony count of animal cruelty, and a misdemeanor contempt charge — and if convicted on all counts, faces up to seven years in state prison.
The well-documented link between domestic violence and animal abuse is on full display in this case: Charlie allegedly lived at the intersection of both, experiencing prior abuse before being killed in an act of violence that also terrorized the human occupants of that apartment. California law recognizes this connection, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office must pursue every charge in this case — animal and human — with equal and maximum seriousness.
Charlie cannot be returned to life. But justice in this case sends a vital message about the value of animals’ lives and the seriousness with which the courts treat those who allegedly harm them. Sign this petition to demand the maximum prosecution of all charges.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Hochman,
We are writing to urge your office to pursue the maximum penalties available under California law against the man charged with throwing his girlfriend’s four-year-old terrier mix, Charlie, off an apartment balcony in Hollywood, causing her death. A medical examination reportedly revealed that Charlie had healing injuries consistent with prior abuse — suggesting the dog suffered at this person’s hands before the act that killed her. The accused faces two felony counts of domestic violence against his girlfriend in addition to the felony animal cruelty charge, reflecting the full scope of the alleged violence that took place in that apartment.
California law and your office’s own public commitments recognize the serious link between animal abuse and domestic violence — and this case embodies that link in the most direct and devastating way possible. We respectfully but firmly demand that your office pursue conviction and the maximum available sentencing on all charges filed in this case — the felony animal cruelty charge, both felony domestic violence counts, and the misdemeanor contempt count. Charlie had no way to escape the danger she was allegedly placed in. It is now the justice system’s responsibility to speak for her.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Chris Barber
