This petition is deeply personal to me because Denali, an innocent soul, had his life brutally taken away from him . Instead of seeking help that was readily available, David Saxton decided to take matters into his own hands in a manner that is absolutely horrifying and so beyond sick. 

Denali's story is not an isolated incident. According to the Humane Society of the United States, nearly 1 million animals a year are abused or killed due to domestic violence. This statistic underlines the severity and prevalence of such heinous acts and emphasizes why it's crucial that individuals like David Saxton face maximum punishment under law.

We must ensure justice is served for Denali and send a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated. By doing so, we can potentially save countless other animals from suffering similar fates.

Please sign this petition to demand MAXIMUM punishment for David Saxton and ensure justice for Denali.

For those who don't know the story of Denali ,please read (WARNING VERY DISTURBING) , I am providing the article the Daily Times put out 

"A Brookhaven man has been charged with strangling, then slitting the throat of Denali, a dog his family had recently adopted from the Providence Animal Center in Media. 

David A. Saxton, 62, was charged Oct. 20 with cruelty to animals and aggravated cruelty to animals involving torture. 

Jo-Ann Zoll, chief executive officer at Providence Animal Center, said Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 to the Daily Times: 

“He was a staff favorite who got a lot of attention from volunteers and staff alike. Tragically, he was killed by a suspect who was charged with the crime last Friday. … PAC is doing everything possible to support Justice for Denali. PAC’s Officer Jason Bell is leading the investigation and is working closely with other law enforcement offices.” 

How it happened 

According to the criminal complaint filed by Bell, a sworn Humane Society Police Officer in Pennsylvania employed by the Delaware County SPCA: 

Erica Saxton adopted Denali, a coonhound-type dog Aug. 26 from the shelter. 

At the time, she was provided information on the dog including its past known behavior history and she signed a liability waiver indicating that Denali may need professional behavior services. 

The family took the dog home and renamed the dog Duncan but over the next month behavior issues arose and on Oct. 4 the family filed a surrender request with the shelter. 

In that request, Erica indicated the dog exhibited aggressive behavior, including an alleged bite. The family planned to return Denali Oct. 20 but then moved the date to Oct. 10. 

On Oct. 9, Providence contacted Erica and Lynne Saxton via phone to gather information on the impending surrender. They learned that the family intended to have the dog euthanized and an appointment was made at two local veterinarians but both had been cancelled. 

That day, humane officials went to the Saxton residence to conduct a welfare check but there was no answer. 

On Oct. 10, the day Denali was to be returned to the shelter, they received a text saying not to expect Denali to be returned. 

The investigation 

Humane officials tried to contact the family and also received information from concerned citizens who stated that Erica had messaged friends on social media and via text that her father, David Saxton, “Took matters into his own hands and took care of it.” 

Humane officials attempted to speak to the family again on Oct. 13. 

Bell went to the home. Nobody answered. At which time Bell posted a notice of investigation. He also saw resting on a fence in the rear yard, in plain view, a shovel that appeared to be recently used to dig soil. 

On Oct. 15, David Saxton turned himself in to Brookhaven police and said he wanted to speak with Bell. 

Bell interviewed David and Lynne Saxton on Oct. 18 at which time Lynne Saxton stated Denali was not house trained and chewed items in the home. Lynne stated the dog had bitten her daughter, though no medical treatment was sought. 

Lynne Saxton told humane officials she did not feel safe around the dog. 

According to the criminal complaint, David Saxton read and signed confirmation of his Miranda rights and then was asked about the day Denali was killed. 

Lynne Saxton left the room because she did not want to hear the facts of the incident. 

David Saxton told Bell he did not remember the day the killing happened, but provided an account. 

He was sitting on the living room couch taking his work boots off when Denali started barking and lunged at him. Saxton pushed the dog backwards and Denali came back and started to nip at Saxton’s ear area but did not bite. 

Saxton then stood up and grabbed a dog leash that was on the end table near the couch and wrapped it around Denali’s neck in an attempt to strangle Denali with the intent to kill him. 

Denali fell to the floor after the struggle and Saxton thought he was dead, however Denali was gasping for air and Saxton saw his chest rising and falling. 

Saxton then went into the kitchen and retrieved a large knife and returned to Denali, who was still on the floor. 

Saxton used the knife to lacerate the dog’s throat. 

He also admitted to taking a candle holder at some point and striking the dog’s head, causing the candleholder to break. 

After Denali was dead, Saxton put the head and body in a trash bag and buried the carcass in the backyard. 

Following the interview, Bell received permission from Saxton to retrieve the dog’s carcass and Saxton showed him the location. 

A postmortem exam was conducted by Dr. Kimberly Boudwin, chief medical officer at Providence Animal Center. The black leash was still around Denali’s neck at the time of the exam. 

Boudwin found the cause of death was strangulation with the laceration occurring after Denali was expired. 

The criminal complaint points out that strangulation is not an accepted, legal method of destroying a canine in accordance with the Pennsylvania Animal Destruction Method Authorization Act. 

The complaint notes Saxton acted intentionally, knowing and or recklessly and with the stated intent to kill Denali and the incident happened over an appreciable period of time. 

Brookhaven Police Chief Michael Vice, whose officers assisted in taking Saxton into custody, called it a horrific case. 

“I don’t know that the criminal complaint does it justice to describe how bad it actually was,” Vice said. 

Saxton was arraigned before Judge Robert M. D’Agostino and held on $20,000 bail which he posted. He is scheduled for a Nov. 9 preliminary hearing. 

PAC statement 

Providence Animal Center posted this on social media on Oct. 20: 

It is with heavy heart that we inform you that PAC’s beloved dog Denali has been found dead. The investigation being led by Officer Jason Bell has recovered Denali’s remains and a suspect has been charged. 

The case is now in the court system and we are hoping for a judicial outcome that will bring justice and closure for all that knew and loved Denali. 

Please do not interfere in any way with this case, and do not contact the adopters. PAC does not approve of or condone any harassment, violence, or illegal conduct against anyone. 

Thank you to all the law enforcement officers who dedicated time to finding Denali and to pursuing those who caused his death. Justice for Denali! "