Steve.Burdo@asd.cccounty.us​ 

asdweb@asd.cccounty.us​  

Save Tyson the Pug                                                                                                  

As an animal lover, I am deeply horrified by the blatant abuse of a tethered small dog. The incident happened in Richmond, where police determined that the abuse, clearly of brutal nature, did not rise to the level of criminal misconduct. This shocking verdict emerged despite a violent video that has deeply upset countless viewers, including myself. According to the Richmond Police Department, the fact that the dog was found to be uninjured and provided with food, water, and shelter somehow justifies the fact that it was hit. This raises the question: How many blows does an animal have to endure for it to be considered cruelty?

It’s a known fact that abuse towards animals often goes unpunished. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, in the United States, more than 70% of animal abuse cases never make it to court. This breeds a culture of negligence and impunity. Our representatives need to provide better protection to animals under the law. Moreover, the police need to take animal cruelty cases more seriously, even if the animals are seemingly unhurt, because overlooking such offenses encourages more harmful behavior.

Impunity for the abuser is unacceptable, and we need to make a stand. By signing this petition, we are demanding that the Richmond Police Department be held accountable for their actions, that their decision is reconsidered, and that stronger animal protection laws are enacted. Stand with us in the fight against animal abuse. Sign now and let your voice be heard.