BUCYRUS—A Bucyrus High School and former Pioneer Career and Technology student will be charged with criminal mischief for allegedly beheading a dog he hit and killed on his way to school.
According to Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall, the charges against the unnamed juvenile can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt but do not meet the criteria needed to charge the defendant as an adult.
On January 14th, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, along with the assistance of the Crawford County Dog Warden, investigated a call and found the dog’s head on a guard rail near Stetzer Road.
According to a news release issued by Crall, after a thorough investigation, it was determined that a 17-year-old boy struck and killed the dog on his way to school. He told investigators that his car suffered damage, and so he returned to the scene to take pictures for insurance purposes. While he claimed the dog was beheaded as it was struck by his car, examinations by a veterinarian and officers familiar with removing animal carcasses from the road determined that the dog was deceased before its head was cut off. In what Crall said can only be described as a “ gruesome“ act, the juvenile then filmed the incident and placed it on social media, causing outrage in the community.
“Unfortunately, due to the deceased animal remaining at the scene for more than 12 hours before law enforcement became involved, the possibility of an unknown third party decapitating the dog cannot be ignored. Coupled with the juvenile’s denial, the lack of evidence means the crimes of Animal Cruelty or Cruelty to a Companion Animal cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Crall said.
Criminal mischief is a third-degree misdemeanor punishable with a $500 fine and up to sixty days in jail.
“I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of the dog. For many owners, the dog is a member of the family. Despite the recent increases in the penalties for crimes against companion
animals such as a dog, the criminal justice system will not correct the wrongs committed in this matter.” Crall said.
In conclusion, Crall confirmed that several threats of retaliation have occurred. Crall said the community outrage is understandable but will not change what happened. Retaliation efforts could result in criminal charges against those seeking retaliation.
“Many may find the enforcement of the law less than satisfying. Please allow those of us attempting to enforce the law (as imperfect as it may be) the opportunity to do our job,” Crall said.