by Elisa Black-Taylor
(USA)
Tyson and Sarge
For those of you not familiar with the Tending for Tyson case, please read Tending for Tyson who was kidnapped and shot. before reading this article. Michael has asked me to do an update of the story. I also want to add another dog shooting from Toledo at the end.
Everyone please get a bullet to bite on and a Kleenex to cry on. This whole situation is a heart breaker.
There was a rally for Tyson this morning outside of the Toledo Municipal Court building in Toledo, Ohio. Several dozen supporters turned out in support of Tyson, who was kidnapped from his back yard on June 23, 2010. He was shot and managed to return home before collapsing from gunshot wounds to his head and leg.
Many supporters carried posters and passed out flyers in support of Tyson. Eric Skowron and Alisha King were booed, cussed at and heckled as they entered the courthouse to face charges.
Both pleaded not guilty of all charges, including cruelty to animals and criminal trespassing. Their attorney, Don Cameron, stressed that Skowron is an animal lover with a dog of his own. He claims Tyson terrorized the neighborhood and would like his day in court to plead his case.
Scott and Kelly Luck, Tyson's owners, are confident the legal system will hand out a just punishment.
Eric Skowron and Alisha King have been released on monitored O.R. bond while awaiting trial and ordered not to have contact with the Luck family.
To make matters worse, another dog in Toledo has been shot. Here is the story of Sarge.
The victim in this shooting is Sarge, a German shepherd. Lawrence Mick and his friend Adam Collins allegedly took turns shooting Mick's dog Sarge. The German shepherd has so far survived six .25 caliber gunshot wounds to the head, neck and chest. The bullets are still in him. What makes this shooting all the more sinister is Sarge was in a cage while this was going on.
According to witnesses, Mick and Collins were taking turns with the gun and appeared to enjoy the tortured sounds Sarge was making. This poor dog had no way whatsoever to defend himself. A neighbor, Melissa Campau, made the 911 call to police after hearing the first shot and the dog yelp.
Mick and Collins of Toledo, Ohio were arrested on Friday, July 9, 2010 and charged with cruelty to animals, discharging a firearm and inducing panic. The shooting occurred at around 6:30 p.m. that evening at the home of Mick, who shares the residence with his girlfriend. His friend, Adam Collins, has pleaded no contest to the charges.
Both men were arraigned on Monday and will appear in court next week to face charges. Mick will appear before before Toledo Municipal Judge Timothy Kuhlman on Monday, July 17. His only punishment so far was being held in Lucas County jail the night of the shooting in lieu of a $25,000 bond. He claimed Sarge was a vicious dog and had bitten him.
Collins later denied he took part in the shooting. He stated in an interview with The Toledo Blade that Sarge had bitten Mick's girlfriend and he was only visiting to help move the dog kennel.
Keep in mind Collins admitted to having two dogs of his own and there were witnesses who saw him take part in the shooting.
After pleading no contest Collins was found guilty of cruelty to animals, inducing panic, discharge of a firearm and giving a false police statement. He will go before the judge on July 21 in Toledo Municipal Court.
As for Sarges condition, Julie Lyle, Lucas County game warden, said Sarge only needs pain killers and antibiotics. He's a very brave dog and is up eating and drinking while he recovers at the Lucas County dog pound.
Do you ever get so angry you could just strangle someone? That's how the residents feel in Ohio and the rest of the country. There are many good people in the Toledo, Ohio area who would be willing to give Sarge a new home if a miracle happens and he pulls thru.
The sad part in all of this is Sarge may be put down since his owner declared him dangerous and gave that for the reason to shoot him. Or the unthinkable could happen and he could die from his injuries.
All of this leads me to wonder why it's so hard to get tougher animal cruelty laws passed. How many animals have to suffer or die before this country wakes up to reality. People who abuse animals often escalate to people. We've got to get more states to toughen up penalties for abuse. Especially willful abuse.
Judges need to hand out the maximum sentence and let these abusers/murders know that animal abuse WILL NOT be punished by a slap on the wrist. Jail time needs to be mandatory.
Scott and Kelly Luck, Tysons owners, are also adding Sarge to their Facebook page for Tyson. Information on either dog can be found on Facebook under Tending For Tyson.
Sarge also has his own page at Facebook under Justice for Sarge. Please check into these Facebook pages as they are listing ways to help with the veterinary bills.
I would also like to mention that Sarge's owner has started his own Facebook page. It can be reached by entering Saving Sarge. There are several bloody pictures on this page. We're all working to have it shut down for violent/bloody content. So far Facebook hasn't removed the page. Check it out at your own risk because you'll be FURIOUS after you do.
Sarge is currently at the Lucas County dog pound. Since he has a history of biting he is not a candidate for adoption from the pound. The Humane Society is trying to get custody of him and plans are being made to test him for aggression. This test will play a major role in whether he is euthanized or adopted out thru a rescue group. There are countless people all over the country offering Sarge a safe and loving home.
Poor baby. I hate to imagine what his life has been like living in a cage with people who either hated him or just didn't have a clue on how to treat an animal.
Hopefully all of the abusers will be handed the worst punishment imaginable. I'll add comments to keep everyone updated.
Elisa
Sources:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/816/123/113
http://toledoblade.com/article/20100713/NEWS02/7130357/0/LOG03
http://toledoblade.com/article/20100713/NEWS02/7130357/0/LOG03
http://newstalkradiowhio.com
