Target: Lisa A. Smittcamp, District Attorney, Fresno County, California
Goal: Seek the strongest appropriate penalties if evidence proves that a woman left her dog tethered in a pickup truck under circumstances that caused the animal to hang to death.
A dog reportedly died after becoming suspended by his tether from the side of a pickup truck outside a pet-friendly hotel. Authorities allege that the dog’s owner, April Ayers, had left him tied to a stroller in the open truck bed while she went inside the hotel to sleep.
According to authorities, the dog had been left without access to food or water. The animal apparently jumped over the side of the truck bed and became suspended because his leash was secured to the heavy stroller. Unable to free himself, the dog apparently hanged to death against the exterior of the vehicle. Police responded to emergency calls and arrested Ayers on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.
Ayers’ responsibility for the circumstances that led to the dog’s death must be proven through admissible evidence. Hotel surveillance footage, witness statements and other evidence could establish how long the animal was allegedly left unattended and whether criminal cruelty occurred. If prosecutors prove the charge, the punishment should reflect the severity of the suffering this dog endured.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Smittcamp,
A dog reportedly hanged to death after becoming suspended by a tether from the side of a pickup truck. Authorities allege that April Ayers left the animal tied to a stroller in the truck bed while she slept inside a hotel. The dog allegedly had no access to food or water before jumping over the side and becoming trapped by the tether.
Ayers was arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty. She has not been convicted, and the allegation against her must be established in court. Please ensure that surveillance recordings, witness testimony and other relevant evidence are carefully preserved and evaluated.
If prosecutors prove that Ayers criminally caused or permitted the circumstances resulting in this dog’s death, seek the strongest appropriate penalties available under California law. The animal’s final moments were apparently spent helplessly suspended beside a vehicle. If criminal responsibility is proven, such suffering warrants meaningful accountability.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: ChrisGoldNY
