Justice for Sparky Odious Sharpe

UPDATE: Demand DA Mike Waters Enforce "Susie's Law" for Sparky!

 

To everyone standing with me in the fight for 

justice for Sparky: I have an urgent update 

regarding our battle to hold his abuser 

accountable. 

 

As a licensed medical professional (LPN) here 

in Granville County, I refuse to let Sparky’s 

story be swept under the rug. This week, I 

officially escalated our fight by sending a 

formal, comprehensive evidence package directly 

to District Attorney Mike Waters and his lead 

investigators at the courthouse. 

 

The DA’s office previously declined to prosecute, 

claiming Sparky had "pre-existing medical 

conditions." As a nurse, I fiercely dispute this 

excuse. A pre-existing health vulnerability 

does not give anyone a legal license to commit a 

felony act of physical violence. Sparky was active, 

playful, and stable until the precise moment of 

the intentional trauma inflicted on August 16th—an 

act that was part of an ongoing pattern of 

domestic violence retaliation.

 

Under North Carolina's "Susie's Law" (N.G.S. 

§ 14-360), malicious animal cruelty is a severe 

Class H Felony, punishable by active prison time. 

We are demanding that DA Mike Waters evaluate the 

intentional act of beating itself, separate from 

any medical technicalities. 

 

Sparky’s complete medical timeline, veterinary 

records, and case files have also been formally 

submitted to regional television investigative 

units, including the WRAL News assignment desk, 

to bring independent public coverage to how animal 

cruelty and domestic retaliation are handled in our 

community.

 

We are not backing down. This house, this yard, 

and this fight belong to Sparky. Please SHARE 

this update, keep signing, and help me keep the 

pressure on the District Attorney's office. An 

underlying condition is NOT an excuse for abuse! 

 

Thank you all for your incredible love and 

support. Sparky's voice is marching straight 

into the courthouse, and justice will be served. 

🐾⚖️❤️
A Call for a Full and Fair Review of the Evidence
My name is Janet Sharpe, and I am asking the public to stand with me in seeking Justice for Sparky Odious Sharpe, my beloved dog.

This petition is not asking the public to determine anyone's guilt. That responsibility belongs to law enforcement, prosecutors, and ultimately the courts.

I am asking for something simple and important:

That all available evidence concerning the circumstances surrounding Sparky's injuries and subsequent deterioration be fully and carefully reviewed, and that North Carolina's animal cruelty laws be enforced as warranted by the evidence.

Sparky's Story
Sparky was more than a pet. He was a loved member of my family.

On August 16, 2026, an incident occurred involving Sparky that I believe warrants serious review under North Carolina's animal cruelty laws. Following that incident, Sparky experienced significant physical deterioration and ultimately had to be euthanized.

The loss has been devastating.

Evidence concerning what happened to Sparky has been provided to the appropriate authorities. That material includes veterinary medical records, photographs and videos documenting Sparky before and after the incident, witness information, contemporaneous communications, and other supporting documentation.

I have also assembled a chronological timeline of Sparky's medical condition and treatment following the incident.

Questions have been raised about whether Sparky may have had a pre-existing spinal or degenerative condition. I believe that issue should not end the inquiry.

A pre-existing medical condition does not make an animal less deserving of protection. To the contrary, an animal with an underlying vulnerability may be particularly susceptible to injury from physical trauma.

The important questions should be answered through a careful review of the veterinary evidence, the chronology of Sparky's symptoms and treatment, witness evidence, communications, and all other available evidence.

Why This Matters Beyond Sparky
North Carolina strengthened its animal cruelty laws after another dog, Susie, survived horrific abuse. The legislation widely known as Susie's Law reflected the determination of North Carolinians that serious acts of cruelty toward animals deserve serious attention and consequences under the law.

Those protections matter only when allegations of serious animal cruelty receive a thorough and impartial investigation.

Sparky cannot speak for himself.

Those of us who loved him can.

This petition is not about revenge. It is not an attempt to try a criminal case through social media or public opinion.

It is a request for accountability through the proper legal process.

What We Are Asking
By signing this petition, we respectfully ask the appropriate Granville County and North Carolina authorities to:

Fully and impartially review all available evidence concerning Sparky's injuries, subsequent medical deterioration, and death; obtain appropriate veterinary or forensic expert review where necessary; and pursue any charges or other action that the evidence and North Carolina law support.

We also ask that any possible pre-existing condition be considered in its proper medical and legal context rather than automatically being treated as an explanation that excludes the potential role of trauma.

Justice for Sparky
Sparky's life mattered.

Animals depend upon human beings for protection. When there is credible evidence that an animal may have been intentionally harmed, that evidence deserves to be taken seriously and evaluated thoroughly.

I will continue to advocate for Sparky through lawful and appropriate channels.

Please add your name if you believe Sparky deserves a complete review of the evidence and that North Carolina's animal cruelty laws should be meaningfully enforced when the evidence supports their application.

Please sign and share: Justice for Sparky Odious Sharpe.

For Sparky, and for every animal that cannot speak for itself.

Janet Sharpe
Sparky's owner and advocate
North Carolina