Demand Full Prosecution and Tougher Animal Cruelty Laws in Florida

3,850

The Issue

A Sanford, Florida homeowner's pet camera caught something no one should have to watch: an HVAC technician kicking their 12-year-old Chihuahua, Boomer, so hard in the head that the small dog was knocked out cold, then suffered a seizure that lasted several minutes.

Richardson Noel, 43, was on a service call for ElDante HVAC Services LLC when he struck Boomer with his work boot. Boomer's owner, Ryan Menzies, described the moment he saw the footage, telling WESH 2 News: "He gave a 100-pound kick to an animal that's 5 pounds." Boomer survived. A veterinarian found no broken bones, though he may still be dealing with internal bruising.

Noel has been fired and charged with aggravated animal cruelty. He was released after posting an $8,000 bond. That charge is a start, but too many people who commit acts like this in Florida still walk away with a slap on the wrist.

We're calling on the State Attorney for Florida's 18th Judicial Circuit to pursue the maximum charges against Noel and make sure this case sets a real precedent. We're also calling on the Florida Legislature to strengthen mandatory sentencing for aggravated animal cruelty convictions, so the next Boomer isn't just lucky to survive.

No pet should be kicked unconscious in their own home by someone their family trusted to be there. Sign the petition to demand full prosecution for Boomer's attacker and stronger animal cruelty laws in Florida, before another animal pays the price.

T
A
J
J
Petition Advocates

The Decision Makers

William Scheiner
Florida State Attorney - Circuit 18
Responded
State Attorney William Scheiner plans to do the right thing by Boomer. An assistant state attorney with experience prosecuting animal cruelty is now reviewing Boomer’s case for formal charges against defendant Richardson Noel. Any charge filed by the State Attorney’s Office will be the strongest that the evidence can prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Noel’s arraignment will be Sept. 29. Just as State Attorney Scheiner supported and endorsed Dexter’s Law, he stands ready to support any future legislation that could spare more animals from harm while punishing abusers. -The Office of State Attorney Scheiner [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]
Florida House of Representatives
4 Members
David Smith
Florida House of Representatives - District 38
Doug Bankson
Florida House of Representatives - District 39
Rachel Plakon
Florida House of Representatives - District 36
Jason Brodeur
Florida State Senate - District 10

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates