The HSUS Calls For Jail Time in Pittsburgh Dog Mutilation Case

September 27, 2007

Second High Profile Pittsburgh Case Involving Animal Cruelty Charges In Recent Months 

The Humane Society of the United States wrote Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. today, urging strong prosecution of a shocking case in which a Homewood man is accused of shooting his newly adopted dog, severing the animal's paw and attempting to decapitate him.

Jamarow Trowery, 30, is charged with animal cruelty and a firearms violation in connection with the dog's horrific death earlier this month.

The HSUS asked Zappala to seek meaningful jail time, mandatory psychological counseling and a ban on owning or living with animals upon any conviction in this case.

This is the second Allegheny County case involving animal cruelty charges in recent months to draw national attention.  In August, The HSUS wrote Zappala regarding an attack on two small dogs. Donald Cowfer, of West Deer, was charged in connection with that case and faces additional, terroristic threats charges in connection with a subsequent attack on the dogs' owner.

"It comes as no surprise that in both of these animal cruelty cases, the alleged perpetrators have terroristic threats charges included in their criminal histories," said Dale Bartlett, The HSUS' deputy manager for animal cruelty issues.  "People who are capable of abusing and torturing animals are dangerous, violent criminals, and we urge the court to treat them as such."

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org .