Last August, two teenage brothers in Atlanta, GA, were charged with torturing and baking a three-month-old puppy to death. Just recently, justice was served - the brothers received the maximum sentence allowable in each of the nine counts under which they were charged. These sentences will be served concurrently, and in effect, the young men will serve 10 years in prison and 10 years under strict probation, for a total of 20 years.

The horrific death of this poor puppy touched animal lovers around the world, and the strong sentencing in this case highlights how strongly the public feels about cruelty toward animals.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard felt so strongly about seeking justice in this case – describing the death of this puppy as "so egregious it cries out for special attention" - that he sent a letter to Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue requesting that the penalty for animal cruelty be raised above the current five year maximum.

DA Howard should be applauded for his commitment to justice and the humane treatment of animals – please sign this petition today to congratulate him on success in this case!

Dear District Attorney Howard,

We, the undersigned, congratulate you on the conviction and strong sentencing of Joshua and Justin Moulder, and we want to thank you for calling on Georgia's Governor and legislature to toughen penalties for people convicted of intentional torture of animals.

This puppy died a cruel and gruesome death. Thank you for pursuing this case so seriously and for your leadership in fighting the inhumane treatment of animals.