Target: Roger Johnson, Prosecuting Attorney for Boone County, Missouri
Goal: Secure the maximum felony sentence, lifelong animal-ownership ban, and restitution from the individual accused of hanging a Chihuahua to threaten his former partner.
A series of videos sent from a man to his ex-girlfriend appeared to show her small brown Chihuahua mix dangling helplessly from a leash. According to a probable-cause statement, the dog was suspended by its collar while the sender declared the torment was “punishment” for the woman’s actions. The accused, already incarcerated on unrelated convictions, allegedly admitted he left the dog tied to a tree afterward. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the pet survived.
The graphic recordings, apparently made in September, form the basis of newly filed felony animal-abuse and harassment charges. Hanging an animal is an especially cruel act that can cause panic, airway damage, and a prolonged, agonizing death. Using such brutality as a weapon of intimidation magnifies the danger—the victimized dog is not the only being terrorized.
Missouri courts must demonstrate that abusing an animal to control or threaten another person will not be tolerated. Sign below to demand a strong sentence, mandatory counseling, a permanent prohibition on owning animals, and restitution for local shelters and veterinary professionals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Prosecutor Johnson,
Court documents reportedly describe videos in which a Chihuahua mix was hung by its leash while the defendant directed threatening remarks at his former partner. The animal’s terror—and its unknown fate—seemingly illustrate a level of cruelty that merits vigorous prosecution under Missouri law.
Hanging causes extreme physical suffering and mental distress for a dog; using that suffering to intimidate a human victim compounds the seriousness of the suspected crime. When animal abuse intersects with harassment, the danger escalates for both species. Communities rely on the justice system to draw a clear line between discipline and sadistic violence.
We therefore urge your office to pursue the highest allowable penalties, to request a lifetime ban on animal ownership, to seek mandated psychological evaluation and treatment, and to obtain full restitution for all costs related to the dog’s rescue, care, or burial. A firm response will honor this innocent creature’s ordeal and send a clear message that Boone County will not tolerate such acts.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Lori Branham
