PETITION TARGET: Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office
UPDATE (5/30/2023): According to court records, the defendant’s next hearing is June 2. We’ll keep watching this case. — Lady Freethinker Staff
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Jäger, a sweet 11-year-old dog, reportedly was kicked to death by a man in Holbrook, New York, according to news reports.
Veterinarians at a local animal hospital determined that Jäger suffered — and eventually died — from severe injuries caused by blunt force trauma. Staff reported the suspicious death to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, sparking an investigation.
Authorities have since charged Scott Walker, 44, with aggravated cruelty to animals, animal cruelty, criminal mischief, second-degree aggravated harassment, and third-degree coercion. Walker reportedly also threatened Jäger’s guardian, who reportedly was his girlfriend, according to news reports.
Aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, could result in multiple years in jail if Walker is convicted.
The link between violence against animals and violence against humans is well established, and a growing number of studies show that animal abuse can be a form of control in domestic violence situations.
Whoever killed this dog must be held fully accountable for this act of intentional and fatal animal cruelty.
Sign our petition urging Suffolk County prosecutors to treat this case with the severity it deserves, including any needed interventions, such as counseling or anger management, and a maximum ban on owning animals.
