Target: Roger Johnson, Prosecuting Attorney of Boone County, Missouri
Goal: Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law dog breeder heading to trial after investigators allegedly found dogs in trash bags, a dozen dog skulls, and living dogs eating deceased dogs due to starvation at her breeding facility.
A Boone County dog breeder is heading toward a jury trial on felony animal abuse charges after a search warrant executed at her breeding and boarding business, Magnum Opus German Shepherds, allegedly revealed conditions of almost unimaginable horror: dead dogs in trash bags, dogs in varying stages of decomposition, a dozen dog skulls, and — in one of the most disturbing details in the case — living dogs eating deceased dogs due to starvation. At least two living dogs were reportedly found on the brink of death. The 29-count indictment that followed listed 29 dogs by name who allegedly died under the defendant’s care, accusing her of torturing each through starvation. Eighteen of those dogs had names: Mojo, Hildegard, Rhea, Arnold, City Girl, Romi, Reaper, Lucy, Venture, Hex, Eri, Scout, Double, Geronimo, Narcissa, Schatzi, Espresso, and others.
Although the charges have since been modified through a superseding indictment, the accused still faces 13 counts of felony animal abuse and one misdemeanor count, and her trial is set to begin soon. The Boone County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office must pursue this trial and these felony charges with the maximum available force of Missouri law. Sign this petition to demand conviction and the strongest possible sentencing for all counts against the accused.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Prosecuting Attorney Johnson,
We are writing to urge your office to pursue conviction and the maximum available sentencing on all felony counts against the dog breeder heading to trial on animal abuse charges stemming from the alleged discovery of dogs in trash bags, dogs in varying stages of decomposition, a dozen dog skulls, and living dogs eating deceased companions due to starvation at Magnum Opus German Shepherds. The 29-count felony indictment filed by a grand jury — which listed 29 dogs by name who allegedly died under the defendant’s care through starvation — described conduct that animal control characterized as one of the most severe animal abuse cases the county has seen in recent years.
Although the charges have since been modified to 13 felony counts and one misdemeanor through a superseding indictment, each felony count still represents an animal who allegedly suffered and died under circumstances this court will soon examine. The dogs named in the original indictment — Mojo, Rhea, Reaper, Espresso, Scout, and the others — deserved protection that was allegedly catastrophically denied to them.
We respectfully but firmly demand that your office pursue this case with the full seriousness it demands and seek the maximum available sentencing upon conviction. The dogs who allegedly died at this facility deserve nothing less than the complete force of Missouri’s felony animal abuse statutes.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here
Photo credit: Gundula Vogel
