Friday, April 9th, 2004
PAWS
Actionline
A weekly opportunity
to make a difference
for animals
PAWS Campaign Against Circuses That Use Performing Animals
Important Links
PAWS Animal Cruelty Resources and Links
Legislative Links
Washington State- House of Representatives
- Senate
Federal
- House of Representatives
- Senator Maria Cantwell
- Senator Patty Murray
Vote Smart is an excellent resource for all sorts of legislation.
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PAWS Mailing Address:
PO Box 1037
Lynnwood WA, 98046
PAWS Physical Address:
15305 44th Ave W
Lynnwood, WA 98037
Update: Dog Killers in Jail; Trial Date Set
The arraignment last Friday (4/2/04) of Steven Paulson, 20, and Troy Loney, 18, who are accused of felony animal cruelty charges in the killing of a dog that was tied to a tree and shot repeatedly with a bow and arrow, revealed disturbing, though unsurprising details. The two men who confessed to this act, but pled not guilty, have prior convictions. One man had been convicted of child molestation at age 13. The other was convicted in December 2003 for forgery, and in 1999 on two counts of second-degree burglary. Research shows a high likelihood that people who commit acts of cruelty against animals will perpetrate violent acts against humans as well.
Pierce County Superior Court Judge, Beverly Grant, sent both men to jail immediately following the arraignment hearing, and set bail at $4,250 for each. More than 150 people attended the arraignment to demonstrate their support for maximum penalties. The hearing room and hallway were packed to maximum capacity. Print, radio and TV media covered the arraignment.
The Pierce County Prosecutor's Office has indicated that they've received hundreds of letters, calls and e-mails from people as far away as Finland, expressing their outrage over this heinous crime and desire to see Paulson and Loney prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Maximum sentencing for felony animal cruelty is five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, though sentencing guidelines call for zero to 12 months in jail for a person convicted of a first offense.
A trial date has been set for May 19, 2004. PAWS will continue to provide updates and action alerts. If you would like more information, please visit the links below to recent Tacoma News Tribune articles, or contact Tamar Puckett, (425) 742-4009, ext. 257, tamarp@paws.org.
http://www.tribnet.com/news/local/story/4936777p-4866183c.html
http://www.tribnet.com/news/story/4918526p-4852233c.html
http://www.tribnet.com/news/crime_safety/story/4910324p-4844773c.html
