On July 7, 2018, our beloved dog was shot and killed on the property of Gene Nelson located on Madeline Island WI. This petition is to demand criminal charges and justice for this unnecessary violence and loss of a family member. 

The background:

Bruzzo had accidentally gotten loose while we were packing our car to leave after a week-long vacation on the island. We had enjoyed our stay— an island undeveloped, pure, and popularly known as a dog-loving vacation destination. Approx an hour or so after he slipped out, we heard a pop sound. While we feared it could have been a gunshot and involved Bruzzo, we kept looking. The island residents rallied around us and an all out search ensued.

When word got out we had heard a pop, we were warned by many the man near our cabin, Gene Nelson, was known to shoot at dogs. A few days later, we approached him directly. He claimed he hadn’t seen a dog at all but promised to keep an eye out and let us know if he saw him.

For months we hoped he was a “lost dog”... the woods were dense and he could have lost his scent. We spent months searching for him, thousands of dollars supporting the effort by many, nonstop social media and mail communications to the island, and the ground support of so many who scoured the woods for him. 

In September, Gene Nelson’s secret slipped out. Bruzzo was in fact shot that day. Following this, his story changed multiple times, eventually concocting a “legal defense” involving the defense of chickens. But admittedly he has no proof other than own ever-changing story. To the contrary, we do have proof this chicken defense is nothing more than an after-the-fact cover up for a criminal and unnecessary killing.

In trying to recover the body, Gene Nelson refuses. He admits to having possessed the remains but will not return despite our pleas. 

Goals:

To date, the case sits with the Ashland County district attorney. Despite the delays in action we remain hopeful the law will be enforced and charges brought. By signing this petition, you support charges pressed for Bruzzo’s death and subsequent refusal to return his remains. You also request the enforcement of animal cruelty laws in Wisconsin. Madeline Island should remain a safe place for tourists to visit with their dogs without fear of execution.