A woman in Richland, Washington has been left reeling after her
cherished Chihuahua, Copper, was brutally killed by a neighbor in a senseless act of violence.Sign the petition and demand justice for Copper and his owner!On the fateful day of
Copper's attack, he and his other dog siblings were out in their backyard while their owner was inside.
A neighbor had received some of the home's mail, and came into the backyard to drop it off. Copper and the other dogs began barking, and allegedly Copper nipped at the man. A stranger coming into a dog's territory can often elicit this response, and anyone should know to be careful and mindful when entering a property that isn't theirs.
But this man was not careful or mindful, nor was he compassionate. After Copper nipped at him, the man exited the yard. He could have left it at that, knowing that the dogs were not friendly to strangers and that he shouldn't enter the yard again. He could have called his neighbor on the phone, found another entrance, or waited until the dogs were brought inside.
Instead, the man came back moments later, this time armed with a metal pipe. Then, he beat Copper mercilessly and left again.Copper's owner called the police, but by the time they arrived "the dog was struggling to breathe."
Copper was later pronounced dead at the vet.This man must answer for his heartless, violent actions. Copper was 15 pounds and a foot tall -- any claims of threat from the tiny dog are totally empty, especially when you consider the man
left and came back.He has already been arrested and charged with first-degree animal cruelty, which typically only comes with a short prison sentence and a fine.
But what we really need is a long term solution that will keep both animals and human safe from this perpetrator.That's why we're asking for mandatory mental health counseling and a lifetime ban on animal ownership to be recommended as part of his sentencing.
Sign the petition telling local prosecutors to honor Copper's memory by taking strong action against his killer!