On Christmas Day, in an event that's as tragic as it's horrifying, Jon Duncan has been charged with intentionally running over his own dog, a one year old black lab mix named Duke. A text message revealed that he no longer wanted Duke, and in an apparent demonstration of this sentiment, Duke was brutally and barbarically killed. Reports state that Jon Duncan was witnessed swerving in order to run Duke down and that he did not slow his truck. His vehicle was observed to have front end damage as well as leftover evidence of Duke’s trauma from the impact. Neighbors trying to enjoy Christmas with their families had to bear witness to this brutal, torturous and traumatic event. It is reported that after Jon Duncan ran Duke down, Jon placed Duke into his vehicle, with organs outside of Duke’s body, and Jon did not take Duke for medical attention until enforcement officers arrived. 

The sheer violence of this act is shocking, prompting us to push for justice. We urge the Winnebago Co State Attorney's Office not to take a soft approach in this case by opting for a plea bargain. Instead, a full trial is necessary to ensure that this gruesome act and charges of aggravated animal cruelty and torture do not go unpunished. According to the statistics reported by American Humane, tens of thousands of animals suffer abuse every year in the United States. However, the actual number of cases is undoubtedly much higher as most animal cruelty cases go unreported (source: American Humane). Additionally, many studies show links between violence towards animals and violence towards humans. This case is truly a public safety concern. Jon Duncan has a history of other violent charges against humans. 

The prosecution of Jon Duncan should serve as an example to others who may contemplate similar barbaric and violent actions. By insisting on a full trial, we are taking a bold stance against animal cruelty/torture, aiming to protect countless other dogs like Duke from facing a similar fate as well as protecting the human population. 

Help enforce justice for Duke. Sign our petition to implore that the Winnebago County State Attorney’s office not plea out Jon Duncan’s case, thereby holding him fully accountable for the actions he is charged with committing. We understand that there is overwhelming evidence as well as witnesses. There is no reason for a plea.