Anyone involved in animal advocacy in Utah knows that Henry's Law was recently passed - a law that makes animal abuse in Utah a felony. But, a law is only as good as it is enforced!
From Connie Curnow, premier animal advocate of Utah:
The Anthony Spidle, Animal Cruelty Trial is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9 at 1:30, hopefully, for a maximum penalty/sentencing. This will be the first trial under the new felony animal cruelty law, which will set the bar for other animal cruelty trials in our state. If the bar is set low with this sentencing, then others to follow will as well, sending a message that Utah doesn't care about animals.
Anthony Spidle was upset with his ex-girlfriend and took it out on her little puppy, with the intention of inflecting physical pain on the pup and emotional pain on his girlfriend. He beat the puppy, and called his ex during the ordeal, leaving a message of yelps and threats. You can read more about this story by clicking here.
(The story is disturbing, but the puppy named Gabriella did survive, with emergency vet care)
This case has been delayed and postponed since last spring, dragging it through the system.
Please write Judge Barrett and tell him how you feel and what this means to you, even if you've written previously, reminding him of the vicious cruelty that Spidel inflicted on Gabriella, the puppy.
Judge Barrett needs to know that the people in Utah care about animals and that we will not tolerate depraved abuse towards innocent, helpless animals.
Writing letters to the editor of the newspapers also helps to raise public awareness.
Please write that letter NOW, and ask your friends to do so as well.
We want Judge Barrett to have an even thicker stack of mail showing that Utahans will no longer tolerate the torture of dogs and cats in our state and a precedent to be set.
He will be in court November 9th at 1:30 pm with Judge William Barrett at the 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City on the 4th floor in room W48. Please attend if you are able to – the physical presence of support is very important!
Please take the time to write Judge Barrett a respectful letter requesting the maximum penalty and sign our online petition (they are half way to their goal, please sign this petition!)
Honorable Judge William W. Barrett
3rd District Court W39
450 South State
SLC, Utah 84111
Voice: (801) 238-7369 & (801) 238-7369
Fax: (801) 238-7074
We also ask that you urge Salt Lake County District Attorney Lohra L. Miller and Deputy District Attorney Greg Ferbrache to prosecute Spidle to the full extent of the law. NO DEALS!
Salt Lake County District Attorney
2001 S State St
Salt Lake City, UT 84190
stock image by Clay Myers, Best Friends photographer
posted by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends staff