Petition to Pursue Felony Charges for Animal Cruelty Involving Torture for Ashley Richau Davidson (Rock Springs,Wyoming;Sweetwater County) 

The people of Sweetwater County of Wyoming would like to see Ashley Richau Davidson put to trial on Felony Animal Abuse charges to receive a full and fair sentencing for Blue the Blue Nose Pit-bull. Back in September 2024 Blue was brought into Green River Animal Shelter in Grenn River, Wyoming by Mrs.Davidson. She allegedly said that Blue was found out at Flaming Gorge Lake in a malnourished, emaciated, and extremely dehydrated state. It was later found she was not telling the truth and with tips from individuals who knew her, word was that she had an animal similar to Blue. Thanks to that information an investigation was opened up on her. She was later found guilty and was put in jail Feb. 06,2026. She pleaded no-contest and was sentenced to ONLY two days in jail and would face fines. She will be released back into the public Feb. 08,2026 with her rights to owning an animal taken away. We feel it should be taken further and to the max punishment possible. 

We call on authorities to pursue felony charges under Wyoming Statute § 6-3-203 for Animal Cruelty Involving Torture based on the facts of this case. Wyoming law is clear: intentionally torturing an animal—by causing extreme or prolonged pain and suffering—is a felony offense. The conduct at issue was not accidental, negligent, or momentary. It involved deliberate actions that caused severe, unnecessary, and prolonged suffering to a defenseless animal.

This level of cruelty meets the legal definition of torture, not a lesser offense. The animal experienced fear, pain, and distress over time, with no justification, no humane purpose, and no effort to relieve that suffering. To treat such conduct as anything less than torture undermines the intent of Wyoming law and sends the wrong message about accountability for extreme cruelty.

Animal torture is not only a grave moral wrong—it is a serious public safety concern. Courts and researchers consistently recognize that acts of extreme cruelty toward animals are a warning sign of escalating violence. Wyoming law exists to intervene at this point, before harm spreads further.

Call to Action

We urge prosecutors and decision-makers to apply the law as written and pursue felony charges for Animal Cruelty Involving Torture. Justice for this animal matters. Upholding Wyoming law matters. Preventing future violence matters.

Sign this petition to demand accountability, enforce Wyoming’s felony cruelty statutes, and stand against animal torture.