To: Lamoille County State's Attorney Aliena Gerhard, Judge of Record, and the Vermont Judicial System

 

We, the undersigned, are calling for the maximum legal penalty under Vermont law to be imposed upon Matthew Hill, a former constable and animal control officer in Eden, Vermont, who now faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty for the brutal and inhumane treatment of a live pig.

 

According to law enforcement and court records, Mr. Hill allegedly:

 

Shot a live pig multiple times, then dragged it screaming behind an ATV down a dirt road.
Admitted to knowing the pig was alive during the dragging and only ended its suffering after reaching the woods, when he cut its throat.
Claimed to have thought the pig was dead, despite overwhelming sensory evidence (its screaming, struggling body) to the contrary.
Failed not only as a farmer but as an officer entrusted with protecting animals, showing a callous disregard for basic animal welfare and ethical standards.
This act was not a moment of confusion. It was a series of cruel decisions made by someone who held a position of public trust and responsibility — someone who should have known better, who did know better, and who chose inhumanity anyway.

 

 
Why This Matters:
Aggravated cruelty must be taken seriously. To allow leniency for this level of suffering sets a dangerous precedent and undermines Vermont’s commitment to animal welfare.
Matthew Hill held public titles. His actions are not only cruel but represent a deep betrayal of public trust. The people of Eden, and of Vermont, deserve better representation from their constables and animal control officers.
A message must be sent that abuse — especially when committed by those in positions of authority — will not be tolerated, ignored, or excused.
 
Our Demands:
We respectfully urge the court to:

 

-Impose the maximum sentence under Vermont law for aggravated animal cruelty.

-Bar Matthew Hill permanently from holding any public position related to law enforcement or animal care.

-Issue a lifetime ban prohibiting Matthew Hill from owning, harboring, or caring for any animals whatsoever, in any private or professional capacity.

-Recognize the emotional trauma caused to neighbors and the wider community who witnessed or learned of this act.
 
This is not about vengeance.
This is about justice, compassion, and accountability.

 

If we cannot protect the voiceless — if we cannot demand consequences when those entrusted with animal welfare become the abusers — then we fail not only as a legal system but as a society.

 

Let Vermont lead by example.
Let cruelty meet consequence.