UPDATE (April 26, 2025):
Justice has not been served, and this case is still ongoing.
Although the dog — now known as Apollo — is safe and receiving veterinary care, the individual responsible has faced no real consequences. Only a warning was issued, and no charges have been filed.
This is unacceptable. Abuse was witnessed, yet no true accountability followed. This petition remains critical to demand justice, legal action, and stronger animal cruelty laws.
On Monday, April 21st, 2025, at 9:10 PM, a disturbing act of animal cruelty was recorded at the Portola Apartments at Southglenn in Centennial, CO.
The footage captured a man choking, slamming, and lifting a defenseless dog by its leash, violently shoving it into a wall, and throwing it onto the hard floor while telling it to, "calm down."
Despite the clear and deeply troubling evidence, local authorities issued only a warning and allowed the man to retain custody of the dog. This decision is unacceptable and fails to protect the animal from further harm.
As a community, we are outraged. The failure to remove this dog from an abusive environment and to hold the man responsible accountable reflects a gross disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable animals.
Current Colorado law allows owners to "discipline" their pets, and actions such as choking, slamming, and punching are not explicitly defined as cruelty under state law. This outdated legal loophole has allowed the individual to avoid the serious consequences he deserves, while the animal remains in danger.
We, as concerned citizens, demand immediate action to prevent further harm to this dog and to protect all animals in Colorado.
We insist that the following steps be taken:
1. The immediate removal of the dog from the man's custody and placement in a safe, loving, and protective home
2. That the individual responsible for this abuse be appropriately charged under animal cruelty laws and not excused with a mere warning
3. That this individual be permanently prohibited from owning or having access to animals in the future
4. That Colorado's animal cruelty laws be reviewed and strengthened, closing the loopholes that allow individuals to escape meaningful consequences under the guise of "discipline"
This petition will be forwarded to Arapahoe County Animal Services, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, and Colorado state legislators.
Please sign and share this petition to ensure justice is served in this case and to bring about lasting change for all animals in Colorado.
