ABUSED DOG RETURNED TO ABUSER OWNER!

Clover, SC - WCNC News has reported on a disturbing case of dog abuse. Matt England, 25, of Clover, SC, is currently in a Gaston County jail after being arrested on Sunday for dragging 2 dogs behind his car.(Here is a link to his facebook page; http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=110043069032812&share_id=105625706149154&comments=1#!/profile.php?id=100000983294241&ref=share)

Witnesses reported that England was not only seen dragging the dogs behind his car, but he subsequently beat the dogs with his fists and assaulted a person who tried to intervene.

One of the dogs, a 1 1/2 yr old Pit bull named Smokey, died after the half mile dragging, followed by the savage beating. The other dog, Scarface, survived being dragged by the car, but had to endure further abuse when England took the dog back to his home, put a rope around his neck and hung him from a deck rail.

The most unbelievable part of this horrible story? Despite the Lowell police officer's report stating that Scarface was being choked when he arrived at England's home, the dog was left at the house of the abuser.

Left in the care of the man that had just savagely murdered the dog known as Smokey. The man that was witnessed dragging, beating and hanging the dog known as Scarface.

Animal lovers and dog lovers, as well as any person that feels strongly about speaking out against abuse, need to band together and let the prosecutors in this case know that Matt England needs to be strongly punished for his horrific crime.

Additionally, concerned citizens need to speak up on behalf of Scarface, the abused dog that was left behind at Matt England's home. Reggie Horton, Director of Gaston County Animal Control, released a statement that animal control officers determined that the remaining dog did not need medical treatment, so it was left at Matt England's home.

If you find this outrageous, please phone Director Horton at 704-922-8677 and express your concerns for the abused dog and said dog's potential for being killed when Matt England returns home.

Take a moment and share your outrage with the prosecutors in this case. The Honorable R. Locke Bell will be prosecuting case #2010055095 (assault of a female) and #2010055096 (cruelty to animals). Matt England needs to receive harsh punishment for his abusive acts. You can write to the prosecutors at:

      Gaston County Courthouse, 325 North Marietta Street, Ste 2003, Gastonia, NC 28052

Outraged and dismayed about how an animal control officer could choose to leave an abused dog in the care of his abuser? Write to Governor Bev Perdue at: Office of the Governor, 20301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301. Email: governor.office@nc.gov

Violent dog abusers such as Matt England are a danger to society. It is a known fact that violence against animals often escalates to violence against people. Cowardly abusers often choose the innocent to hurt; inflicting pain against cats, dogs, and children.

Do your part and speak out against violence. Abuse is wrong, no matter who the victim is. Take a moment to place a phone call or write a letter on behalf of the deceased dog, Smokey, and the dog that still lives, Scarface. Help facilitate the removal of Scarface from Matt England's home.

Please don't close your eyes against abuse - it won't go away just because you don't acknowledge it.

UPDATE: I just took a look online at the Gaston Co courts schedule.  Matt England is scheduled for a morning court appearance on July 2, 2010.  It's case #2010055096, in room 004A, assault on a female (misdemeanor) and it lists 2 cruelty to animals (felony) charges (falls under statute 14.360(B)).  The courthouse is open 8am-5p daily so the sessions start at 8am.  The address for the courthouse is 325 North Marietta St, Gastonia, NC  28052 (just west of Charlotte) 704-852-3100.  It would be great if we could get a delegation of animal rights and/or welfare advocates to show up at these court dates to speak out for the animals. The nearest ;arge city to Gastonia is the Charlotte area so hopefully we can find someone or some org near there to go. 

 http://www.examiner.com/x-2111-Tacoma-Dogs-Examiner~y2010m4d27-Dog-dies-after-being-dragged-behind-car-2nd-dog-also-dragged-left-in-custody-of-abuser

We must not loose track of this case or let it slip by the wayside. Are the authorities going to let Matt England take a plea or will he go to trial? There is a good possibility that the girlfriend could drop the assault charges in this case but we are hoping to be able to compel the DA to press on with the animal cruelty charges. 

Demand justice in this case  for Smokey and all the animals of the world. I would say that everybody involved in this case down in Gaston Co need a lession in animal law.