Zanesville, OH: Police responding to a report of a woman covered in blood, discovered not an injured woman, but instead a profusely bleeding dog – her dog - whose throat had been cut.

The woman’s boyfriend, Justin C. Smith, was arrested. Smith told police he wanted to get his girlfriends attention, so he took her 20-pound dog outside and used a utility knife to slit the dog’s throat. When asked why, Smith said because “I could.”

The little dog died soon afterwards. Another innocent little life cruelly and needlessly taken.

Since cruelty to companion animals is only a misdemeanor in Ohio, the most Smith could receive under the animal cruelty charge is 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If found guilty, he could also receive 90 days in jail and be fined $750 for resisting arrest. Smith is currently in jail.

Nitro Foundation has planned a peaceful rally for July 10, 2012 at the Zanesville Municipal Court. If you are able, please come and show your support!  More information here: https://www.facebook.com/events/436887823010995/

This petition respectfully requests that if found guilty, Justin C. Smith receives the maximum sentence allowable under law for cruelty to companion animals and other charges. Please speak out against animal cruelty by adding your signature to this petition.

Who to contact: http://our-compass.org/2012/07/01/justice-for-dog-killer-in-zanesville-ohio/

For more information on this story: http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/20120628/NEWS01/206280302/Zanesville-man-accused-cutting-dog-s-throat

Image courtesy of: www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

This petition will be updated as more information becomes available; however, the intent will remain the same.   Please click on "Petition Updates" tab to view updates.