Beautiful, Intelligent GSD Intentionally Dragged to Death Behind Truck

100,000 signatures collected to punish man who dragged dog to his death

January 29, 12:15 AM
Seattle Pet Laws Examiner
Jean-Pierre Ruiz

December 30th, 32-year old Melissa Lockhart allegedly stole 2 dogs from a pick up in Delta, Colorado. One of them, Buddy, would never make it home.

Lockhart allegedly drove Buddy to her brother, 37-year old Steven Clay Romero, and told him to get rid of the dog. Romero tied one end of a rope to Buddy's neck and the other to his pick-up. He then proceeded to drive through steep hills up and down Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction. After running after Romero's pick up for some 3 miles, Buddy fell exhausted and was dragged to his death. Romero cut the rope and drove away. Buddy was later found abandoned on a snowy road with a rope around his neck.

Romero and Lochart have both been arrested. Romero, who was arrested when he appeared in court on charges unrelated to this case, is charged with aggravated animal cruelty. Lockhart is charged with animal cruelty, felony theft and false-reporting.

The incident so incensed Gary Sherman that he started a website to gather signatures to ensure the maximum penalty is given to Romero. By the time he drove from his home in Colorado Springs to Grand Junction to deliver the petition, it had been signed by more than 100,000 people across the United States and 111 other countries. The petitioners are hoping that Romero gets the maximum sentence available of three years in jail, a $100,000 fine, and a one year probation.

Today, Romero pleaded not guilty and his trial is scheduled to take place on March 22nd in Denver. Meanwhile Lockhart, whose photo appears below, failed to appear in court. Nevertheless, prosecutors agreed on a personal recognizance bond so she remains free on a $5,000 unsecured bond assessed by US Magistrate Judge Laird Milburn. US Assistant Attorney Michelle Heldmyer offered no objection to the bond. She is scheduled to return to court on Monday for her arraignment.



For more info: Buddy's Law: www.thepetitionsite.com/1/buddys-law---help