PETITION CLOSED
PETITION TARGET: Washoe County District Attorney Christopher J. Hicks
UPDATE (2/20/2023): Forrest John Smith pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty and was granted probation, which he violated. He’s now serving 19 to 48 months imprisonment at the Nevada Department of Corrections, an investigator with the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office told Lady Freethinker. “Nevada’s laws related to animal abuse can present challenges to prosecutions,” the investigator said. “However, this case ultimately ended in serious consequences for the offender.” This case is a telling example of why probation is not justice for intentional and fatal animal cruelty. We’re glad that the court ultimately took this cruelty seriously, and we hope that the sentence will prevent any additional harm to animals. — Lady Freethinker Staff
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An innocent malnourished horse had her throat brutally slashed by her own “guardian” to prevent sheriff’s deputies from seizing her during an attempted rescue, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.
Forrest John Smith allegedly fatally stabbed and slashed the starved horse after Animal Control summoned the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to remove the ailing animal from the property, according to deputies.
Smith had a history of ongoing problems with the authorities, who charged him with willfully maiming, torturing, or killing an animal.
He also faces a felony charge for failing to register as a sex offender — another case that shows the link between violence against animals and violence against humans.
This innocent horse must have justice.
Sign this petition urging Washoe County District Attorney Christopher J. Hicks to prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law, including a lifelong ban on having animals.
