Target: Aaron Goldstein, County Attorney for New Castle County, DE
Goal: Seek stronger charges against man accused of neglecting 19 dogs.
When video footage seemingly captured a man abusing his small pug at a California marina, immediate action was taken. The video showed the man reportedly slinging, choking, and striking the animal. Police subsequently arrested William Kenneth Slocum, citing him for suspected intentional animal cruelty: a felony offense.
In a Florida beach community, a woman was likewise charged with felony cruelty after authorities rescued an allegedly severely malnourished dog named Olive from her residence. The ailing animal received the lowest possible score on a body condition index, demonstrating a state of suggesting prolonged emaciation. The dog is on a long road to recovery, and the judge in the case prohibited the suspect from any further contact with animals while charges were pending.
In stark contrast, a Delaware man was likewise accused of inflicting grave harm on animals under his care…19 dogs (including 17 puppies), to be exact. This man had also received a court mandate prohibiting him from animal ownership. Yet unlike the aforementioned cases, suspect Robert O’Neill only faces misdemeanor charges, including a charge for allegedly violating the court order and charges for each of the animals he reportedly subjected to inhumane living conditions.
Justice downgraded is justice denied. Sign the petition below to demand true justice.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Goldstein,
Robert O’Neill had already reportedly faced animal welfare-related charges concerning enough that he had been prohibited from owning animals. He allegedly violated this condition and subjected 19 more dogs (many of whom were puppies) to deplorable living conditions. Despite this suspect’s seeming dismissal of a court mandate and despite the welfare of the many animals he allegedly endangered, none of his charges include felonies.
What kind of message does this light approach send to animal abusers and to the community as a whole about the repercussions – or lack thereof – individuals will face if they flout the legal system? Please do better, for the alleged victims in this case and for a community that wants accountability.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pixabay
