PETITION CLOSED
PETITION TARGET: Highland Heights Prosecutor Daniel W. Taylor
UPDATE (2/28/2022): Phil Savelli pleaded guilty to three counts of animal cruelty to animals — a felony punishable by a year in jail and up to $2,500, according to WOIO — but instead was sentenced to 60 days in jail, ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and prohibited from owning animals for an indefinite amount of time after telling the court that “he needs to do better and that he will do better”, according to WTRF.
This is a disgusting lack of accountability for an intentional and fatal act of animal cruelty that left an innocent animal suffering greatly, and for a prolonged amount of time, before a premature death, and also impacted dog’s guardian. We are deeply disappointed in this outcome and will continue to do all we can to advocate for animals everywhere. — Lady Freethinker staff
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A 10-month-old Yorkie puppy named Coco reportedly froze to death at the hands of her guardian’s boyfriend, who allegedly submerged the helpless dog in water and stuffed her into a freezer multiple times until she died, security footage from the horrifying incident shows.
Coco’s killer then placed her lifeless body back on her doggie bed.
The puppy’s devastated guardian, Helga Semaj, found her beloved companion’s corpse when she arrived back home. She turned the video evidence over to police, who charged Phil Savelli with animal cruelty. He is free on bond while he awaits trial.
If convicted under Ohio’s Goddard’s Law, which enables prosecutors to upgrade any animal cruelty charges to the felony level, he could spend a year in prison and face a fine of up to $2,500, according to Cleveland19.
Coco deserves justice, and the person who brutally froze her to death must face accountability for their actions. Sign this petition urging Highland Heights Prosecutor Daniel W. Taylor to prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law, including a life-long ban on having animals.
