On August 10th, a heart-wrenching incident unfolded in South Roxana, IL. A gentle, innocent dog named Thunder was shot and killed by Randel Pruett - a man who was not in any immediate danger and who evidently reacted out of misplaced aggression, stemming from the discovery of a dead cat in his yard. Thunder had nothing to do with this! The horror was amplified when the local police department refused to press charges against Pruett, citing his 2nd amendment rights as an obstacle. Facts and body cam footage contradict the shooter's claims of self-defense. Thunder posed no threat. The shooter, instead, charged at the dog with deadly intent.  

As the tragedy unfolded, Thunder's death revealed a monstrosity - not just in the act of needless violence committed by one man, but also in the system that deemed it justified. It is an unthinkable crime that wreaks havoc on the hearts of animal lovers, advocates, and citizens with a sense of justice. Thunder had merely escaped through a faulty fence gate and was brutally punished for being, merely, a domesticated pet in an unfamiliar area.

The inaction of the South Roxana Police Department in the face of such a profound injustice reveals a desperately needed policy change. It is a tragic disservice to Thunder, other pets in the community, and the people who love them. We insist on two urgent changes: (1) Justice for Thunder, which entails punishing Randel Pruett appropriately for his cruel actions. (2) South Roxana Police Department must revise its policies regarding animal cruelty and the appropriate use of firearms.  

Please stand with us in our fight for justice and better policies; changes that might prevent such unthinkable cruelty from happening again. Let Thunder be the lightning that brings the much-needed change. Please sign this petition and feel free contact the Illinois States Attorney to let them know that you see this as a disregard of justice and Randel Pruett needs to be brought up on charges stemming with misuse of a firearm merely feet from a park and within town limits, AND animal cruelty! The South Roxana police deny any wrongdoing by not only Randel Pruett, but also by their department that has been ignoring  the reports about Randel Pruett as the ticking time bomb that he is! What or who is next?! 

Please visit us at JusticeforThunder.com 

*Illinois States Attorney 618 692 6200 and ask for the States Attorney's Office. Tell them you want Justice for Thunder!* 

You may also contact the chief of police in South Roxana, Il
Bobby Coles @ Phone: 618-254-7460 #4 ext. 1
Email: bcoles@southroxana.org