Attempts made on dogs’ lives prompt social reminder to
report not retaliate
The Humane Society of Utah reminds community not to take animal issues into their own hands
In response to the recently reported incidents involving the attempted killings of domestic dogs in the Sandy and Park City areas, the Humane Society of Utah wants to remind both pet owners and the community of their responsibilities. Any complaints or issues regarding domestic animals need to be addressed with the pet’s owner directly or filed with the appropriate authorities instead of acting to threaten the animal’s life, which is a criminal act.
Attempted poisoning of a 7-year-old pit bull named Riot was discovered Monday, March 23, 2015, by owner Drew Tovey’s son. Five meatballs were found in Tovey’s backyard laced with enough drugs to have been lethal if completely ingested. On Tuesday, March 24, 2015, owner Allison Dittmer discovered her dog, Abe, had been shot with a pellet gun in her neighborhood while he was off-leash.
Pet owners are urged to keep vigilant watch over their animals and prevent injury or illness by checking their pet’s living space for any objects that could potentially cause harm, including toxic plants, sharp tools or other hazardous materials, and holes or openings in fences and gates.
The community has an obligation to report complaints against animals to the proper authorities. If a complaint cannot be remedied directly with the pet’s owner, a report must be filed with the local animal control to investigate and resolve. Penalties may be incurred by the pet owner for failure to comply with local ordinances.
“The Humane Society of Utah makes note of all incidents involving animal cruelty and neglect,” said John Fox, HSU chief animal cruelty investigator. “We hate to see cases of animal abuse ever occur and prefer that people contact their proper authorities to resolve any issues.”
Utah State Criminal Code 76-9-301 Cruelty to Animals provides that a person is guilty of aggravated cruelty to an animal if the person tortures an animal, administers or causes to be administered poison or a poisonous substance to the animal, or kills an animal or causes an animal to be killed without having a legal privilege to do so. If an animal is injured without legal privilege a person may be charged with a class B misdemeanor. It is a class A misdemeanor if the act is committed intentionally or knowingly and a third degree felony if the person intentionally or knowingly tortures a companion dog or cat. Penalties range from $1,000 to $5,000 and six months to five year
About the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the HSU has been sheltering abandoned animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across our state. HSU is an open-admissions shelter, meaning that our doors are always open for any animal that we can legally accept. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters our facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization. We receive no tax dollars or government funding. HSU is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations. Read more about the HSU online at utahhumane.org.
