Sign the Petition
Target: Ephrata Police Lt. Chris McKim
Goal: Applaud the Ephrata police for identifying, arresting, and charging the man allegedly responsible for beating his horse to death.
After social media video surfaced of him allegedly beating his overburdened horse to death in the middle of a rural road in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Amish man Marvin M. Sensenig has been arrested and charged with two counts of animal cruelty. The video was shared over 40,000 times and provoked outrage among animal rights activists and ordinary citizens. After much outcry, and petitions such as one that appeared on ForceChange, the Ephrata Police Department has filed charges against Sensenig.
Police described the horse as “overburdened.” It was pulling a wagon that was not only filled with watermelons, but also transporting a pair of grown, adult men. When the tired and overworked horse struggled to carry its wagonload, Sensenig allegedly began to beat the horse until it collapsed, near death.
A witness in her car called police, who arrived on the scene and, with the aid of the local fire department, attempted to save the horse. Over 1,000 gallons of water were used in hopes of cooling down the horse and reviving it. However, their attempts proved unsuccessful and the horse passed away.
There were false reports made shortly after the incident that Sensenig may not face charges because he is Amish and there were claims that the Amish face different rules in regards to treatment of animals. Such a statement was made by the witness to the incident. However, this is not true and Ephrata police confirm that Sensenig will face the court of law on equal footing as any other Pennsylvania resident who fatally abuses an animal.
The investigation was aided by the Lancaster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and now that charges have been filed, the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case. Sign the petition to let Ephrata Police Lt. Chris McKim and the entire Ephrata Police Department know that you appreciate their hard work in identifying and charging the man allegedly responsible for such horrific animal cruelty.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Lt. McKim,
I am writing to applaud the efforts of both you and your police department as you successfully identified, arrested, and charged the man allegedly responsible for the fatal abuse of an overburdened horse. Not only did your department and the local fire department work tirelessly in attempts to revive the abused animal, but you carried out your public duty to the fullest extent in charging the 20-year-old man allegedly responsible for the horrific incident.
In this case, which has reached international attention, your department has shown the world that animals also deserve justice. Thank you for your hard work.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pavlofox
