Target: Steve Gunnels, District Attorney of Deschutes County, Oregon
Goal: Seek the maximum lawful sentence, restitution, and a lifetime ban on animal ownership for the individual who allegedly beat, grabbed, and dragged a dog in public, causing painful injuries.
According to multiple witness accounts and videos, a man allegedly struck, grabbed, and dragged his leashed dog along a busy roadway. Bystanders reportedly handed over recordings showing the animal being yanked and hit while unable to escape. Officers later took the dog for emergency care after the animal apparently sustained injuries to her front paw pads.
Authorities charged a suspect with several counts of animal abuse after reviewing the footage and statements. The dog, described as a brown Labrador, was seized under a warrant and transferred to humane care for evaluation and treatment. The animal’s reported injuries—raw, damaged pads and clear distress—paint a deeply troubling picture of apparent prolonged mistreatment.
When a companion animal is apparently beaten in public view, accountability must be certain and strong. Prosecutors can seek penalties that include incarceration, fines, mandatory counseling, restitution for veterinary costs, and prohibitions on future animal ownership. Sign below to demand meaningful consequences including a lifetime animal ban to deter similar alleged cruelty and to safeguard vulnerable animals going forward.
PETITION LETTER:
District Attorney Gunnels,
Witnesses reportedly filmed a man striking, grabbing, and dragging his dog in plain view, and officers purportedly secured videos and statements corroborating the abuse. The dog was rushed to an emergency veterinarian for apparent injuries to her front paw pads and later transferred to humane care.
These recordings and statements, taken together, depict an incident of apparent, sustained violence against a defenseless animal. Such alleged behavior endangers not only the animal involved but also the broader community, as research and enforcement experience reputedly link animal cruelty with further violence.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue the maximum lawful sentence in this case. Please seek restitution for all veterinary expenses, mandate psychological evaluation and counseling where appropriate, and request a lifetime prohibition on owning, possessing, or residing with animals. A decisive response will reportedly deter future cruelty and affirm this community’s commitment to protecting those who cannot speak for themselves.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Mark J Sebastian
