Dogs Allegedly Victimized By Serial Abuser Deserve Justice

Target: Mary Robnette, Prosecuting Attorney for Pierce County, WA

Goal: Punish man who allegedly abused and endangered 100-plus dogs if he is found guilty.

A Washington man has been charged with 75 counts of animal cruelty and counting. Elmer Givens, Jr. first caught the attention of authorities in 2019 after someone reported seeing six starved, shivering pit bulls on his property. When police later visited Givens’ residence, they documented apparent evidence of dogs being kept in deplorable conditions, many with visible dog-fighting scars. The alleged cruelty did not end here, however.

While dogs were seized on this initial stop, authorities were called back to the premises a month later. During this investigation, they reported discovering up to 48 more dogs with signs of scarring and neglect so severe many of the animals could not even walk. Apparent evidence of a large-scale breeding and dog-fighting operation was also uncovered. Yet again, the dogs were seized while Givens remained largely unpunished.

Fast-forward several months, and police once again converged on the property after a neighbor submitted video evidence of Givens allegedly throwing objects at dogs entrapped in kennels. When confronted with these latest allegations and a warning to stay away from dogs, the defiant man reportedly replied, “as long as you ain’t charged me and convicted me, I’m gonna do whatever I want.'”

Unfortunately, Givens’ proclamation has a ring of truth. For two years, this accused criminal has been allowed to flaunt the legal system and escalate his alleged cruelty because no one will hold him accountable. Sign the petition below to demand justice at long last and punish an unrepentant seeming serial animal abuser.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Robnette,

Two years ago, six seemingly suffering dogs helped kickstart an animal cruelty investigation against Elmer Givens, Jr. When the first batch of dogs reportedly victimized by illegal breeding, dog-fighting, and horrendous neglect were rescued from the premises of the accused, decisive action could have been taken. Instead, Mr. Givens got the legal equivalent of a hand-slap and a warning.

In just one month’s time, this man once again found himself charged with cruelty against dozens of dogs. And once again, he faced no real legal repercussions. Now, 23 more of his alleged victims are up for adoption, where they will hopefully at last find security and peace. Mr. Givens, for his part, has reportedly vowed “I’m gonna do whatever I want.” This flagrant arrogance appears to be the attitude of a man who has every confidence he will never be held accountable.

Previous incidents seem to have proven him right. Please do not let this miscarriage of justice happen again, putting more innocent living beings in potential danger. Make this time the last one. Prosecute this case with diligence, seek punishment to the fullest extent of the law if a guilty verdict is returned, and secure real justice for over 100 defenseless animals.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Pierce County Sheriff’s Department