The sentence of the two brothers who tortured, bound, and baked to death a puppy will be reconsidered by Georgia's sentence review panel. Please write to the review panel and let them know that the original sentence for these two felons must stand. Here is a sample letter to copy and paste, along with contact information:
Clerk, Superior Courts
Sentence Review Panel of Georgia
18 Capitol Square, Suite 108
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
RE: Docket # 08-56710
Dear Your Honors:
I am writing to urge you to let stand Judge Thelma Moore's orginal sentence of ten years in prison plus ten years probation for Joshua and Justin Moulder on charges of torturing and killing a puppy, threatening children, and destroying a neighborhood community center.
According to testimony during the sentencing phase of the case, the Moulder brothers have a history of serious criminal offenses, including burglary and battery. Justin Moulder was also convicted of forcing a three year old to perform oral sex on him.
Despite attempts to provide mental help for them in the juvenile justice system, Justin and Joshua Moulder continued to commit acts of violence, culminating in their horrific crimes of August 21, 2006. Expert testimony during the sentencing phase stated that these defendants are not amenable to rehabilitation. I therefore believe that the Moulder brothers should serve their entire ten year sentences in prison, and not be released early or remanded to a rehabilitation facility.
Sincerely,
Your name
Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sunday, August 19, 2007
In Memory
This week marks one year since the Atlanta puppy was brutally tortured and killed. Her sad, short life and horrific death have touched many, and we must ensure that she did not die in vain. While no one can bring her back or take away the pain she suffered, here are three ways you can honor her memory:
Adopt a dog from an animal shelter
Sponsor a shelter dog
Lobby to increase penalties for animal torture in the state of Georgia
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Update: No News to Report
Apologies for taking so long to update the site.
We have been waiting for any news in this case, but there seems to be none at the moment. Please keep checking in as we are still monitoring developments daily and if anything happens we'll let you know immediately.
In the meantime, let Georgia officials know you support a law lengthening prison sentences for animal torturers and making animal torture one of the state's "non-paroleable" offenses by clicking here.
Thank you.
We have been waiting for any news in this case, but there seems to be none at the moment. Please keep checking in as we are still monitoring developments daily and if anything happens we'll let you know immediately.
In the meantime, let Georgia officials know you support a law lengthening prison sentences for animal torturers and making animal torture one of the state's "non-paroleable" offenses by clicking here.
Thank you.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Police, DA Dispute Moulder Family Claims That Only One Brother Was Involved
LETTERS TO JUDGE STILL NEEDED--PLEASE SEE BELOW
A stepbrother of one of the Moulders has come forward to claim that he was present when the puppy, named Lady, was tortured and baked to death. This alleged witness claims that Joshua Moulder, rather than Justin and Joshua Moulder, was responsible for the puppy's torture and death.
Police and the District Attorney find this story highly suspicious and difficult to believe, especially given that the Moulders PLEADED GUILTY in a court of law to torturing and killing the puppy, destroying a community center, then threatening to kill the children to whom they showed the dead puppy. To read the improbable new claims made by the Moulders' stepbrother, click here.
URGENT: The defense continues its attempts to get the judge to reduce the Moulders' sentences. Your letters to the judge in favor of keeping the 10 year sentences in place are very important. A copy and paste form letter is below.
Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore
T4905 Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
Dear Judge Moore:
I am writing to thank you for sentencing Joshua and Justin Moulder to ten years in prison plus ten years probation for torturing and killing a puppy, threatening children, and destroying a neighborhood community center. I strongly urge you to let your original sentence stand.
According to testimony during the sentencing phase of the case, the Moulder brothers have a history of serious criminal offenses, including burglary and battery. Justin Moulder was also convicted of forcing a three year old to perform oral sex on him.
Despite attempts to provide mental help for them in the juvenile justice system, Justin and Joshua Moulder continued to commit acts of violence, culminating in their horrific crimes of August 21, 2006. Expert testimony during the sentencing phase stated that these defendants are not amenable to rehabilitation. I therefore believe that the Moulder brothers should serve their entire ten year sentences in prison, and not in a rehabilitation facility.
Sincerely,
Your name
Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
A stepbrother of one of the Moulders has come forward to claim that he was present when the puppy, named Lady, was tortured and baked to death. This alleged witness claims that Joshua Moulder, rather than Justin and Joshua Moulder, was responsible for the puppy's torture and death.
Police and the District Attorney find this story highly suspicious and difficult to believe, especially given that the Moulders PLEADED GUILTY in a court of law to torturing and killing the puppy, destroying a community center, then threatening to kill the children to whom they showed the dead puppy. To read the improbable new claims made by the Moulders' stepbrother, click here.
URGENT: The defense continues its attempts to get the judge to reduce the Moulders' sentences. Your letters to the judge in favor of keeping the 10 year sentences in place are very important. A copy and paste form letter is below.
Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore
T4905 Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
Dear Judge Moore:
I am writing to thank you for sentencing Joshua and Justin Moulder to ten years in prison plus ten years probation for torturing and killing a puppy, threatening children, and destroying a neighborhood community center. I strongly urge you to let your original sentence stand.
According to testimony during the sentencing phase of the case, the Moulder brothers have a history of serious criminal offenses, including burglary and battery. Justin Moulder was also convicted of forcing a three year old to perform oral sex on him.
Despite attempts to provide mental help for them in the juvenile justice system, Justin and Joshua Moulder continued to commit acts of violence, culminating in their horrific crimes of August 21, 2006. Expert testimony during the sentencing phase stated that these defendants are not amenable to rehabilitation. I therefore believe that the Moulder brothers should serve their entire ten year sentences in prison, and not in a rehabilitation facility.
Sincerely,
Your name
Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Judge Moore Reconsidering Sentence?
At a hearing this past Monday in her courtroom, Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore expressed concern about the length of the sentence she imposed on the Moulder brothers and the fact that they would not be able to receive extensive mental health treatment while in prison. Although she was aware of this before she sentenced them initially, Judge Moore requested the defense come up with alternatives for other facilities where the Moulders could serve out their sentences.
According to testimony at the sentencing hearing, these young men have served time in the juvenile justice system for various crimes, including arson and assault. Justin Moulder was convicted of forcing a three year old to perform oral sex on him. They received psychiatric help in the juvenile justice system, and it DID NOT WORK.
We don't know when or if a new sentencing hearing will be held, but it is imperative that you fax or mail Judge Moore a letter thanking her for the ten year sentences and expressing your wish that the Moulder brothers serve out their sentences in prison, and not in a rehabilitation facility. A copy and paste form letter, along with contact information, is included below.
Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore
T4905 Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
Dear Judge Moore:
I am writing to thank you for sentencing Justin and Joshua Moulder to 10 years each in prison plus ten years probation. I strongly urge you to let your original sentence for these defendants stand.
In August 2006, in addition to defacing and burglarizing a community center and threatening to kill innocent children, the defendants duct-taped, doused with paint, set on fire, and baked a puppy to death in a gas oven. According to trial testimony, the puppy thrashed about inside the oven, defecated on herself, and ground her claws down to bloody stumps as she tried in vain to escape. The suffering endured by this animal is beyond anything you or I can imagine.
I am fully aware that a stepbrother of Justin and Joshua Moulder has come forward to claim that only one brother was involved in the torturing and killing of this puppy. Although I find this story highly suspicious, it does not change the fact that both brothers destroyed a neighborhood community center, and abused neighborhood children by showing them the dead puppy and then threatening to kill them.
Furthermore, according to testimony during the sentencing phase of the case, the Moulder brothers have a history of serious criminal offenses, including burglary and battery. Justin Moulder was also convicted of forcing a three year old to perform oral sex on him.
Despite attempts to provide mental help for them in the juvenile justice system, Justin and Joshua Moulder continued to commit acts of violence, culminating in their horrific crimes of August 21, 2006. Expert testimony during the sentencing phase stated that these defendants are not amenable to rehabilitation. I therefore believe that the Moulder brothers should serve their entire ten year sentences in prison, and not in a rehabilitation facility.
Sincerely,
Your name
Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
According to testimony at the sentencing hearing, these young men have served time in the juvenile justice system for various crimes, including arson and assault. Justin Moulder was convicted of forcing a three year old to perform oral sex on him. They received psychiatric help in the juvenile justice system, and it DID NOT WORK.
We don't know when or if a new sentencing hearing will be held, but it is imperative that you fax or mail Judge Moore a letter thanking her for the ten year sentences and expressing your wish that the Moulder brothers serve out their sentences in prison, and not in a rehabilitation facility. A copy and paste form letter, along with contact information, is included below.
Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore
T4905 Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
Dear Judge Moore:
I am writing to thank you for sentencing Justin and Joshua Moulder to 10 years each in prison plus ten years probation. I strongly urge you to let your original sentence for these defendants stand.
In August 2006, in addition to defacing and burglarizing a community center and threatening to kill innocent children, the defendants duct-taped, doused with paint, set on fire, and baked a puppy to death in a gas oven. According to trial testimony, the puppy thrashed about inside the oven, defecated on herself, and ground her claws down to bloody stumps as she tried in vain to escape. The suffering endured by this animal is beyond anything you or I can imagine.
I am fully aware that a stepbrother of Justin and Joshua Moulder has come forward to claim that only one brother was involved in the torturing and killing of this puppy. Although I find this story highly suspicious, it does not change the fact that both brothers destroyed a neighborhood community center, and abused neighborhood children by showing them the dead puppy and then threatening to kill them.
Furthermore, according to testimony during the sentencing phase of the case, the Moulder brothers have a history of serious criminal offenses, including burglary and battery. Justin Moulder was also convicted of forcing a three year old to perform oral sex on him.
Despite attempts to provide mental help for them in the juvenile justice system, Justin and Joshua Moulder continued to commit acts of violence, culminating in their horrific crimes of August 21, 2006. Expert testimony during the sentencing phase stated that these defendants are not amenable to rehabilitation. I therefore believe that the Moulder brothers should serve their entire ten year sentences in prison, and not in a rehabilitation facility.
Sincerely,
Your name
Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Friday, February 9, 2007
The Sentence Is In...
Ten years in prison, plus ten years probation for each of the Moulder brothers. Not nearly enough, but given Georgia animal cruelty laws as they exist today, it's a huge victory. Read World Demands Justice for Pup Killed in Oven for more information.
And please remember that if the Moulders were sentenced under the state's animal torture law, they would have received just 5 years or less!
You can honor this puppy's memory by lobbying lawmakers to increase Georgia's animal torture penalties, and to add felony animal torture to the list of non parole-able offenses. For all the information you'll need, including newly added form letters and contact information, please click here.
And please remember that if the Moulders were sentenced under the state's animal torture law, they would have received just 5 years or less!
You can honor this puppy's memory by lobbying lawmakers to increase Georgia's animal torture penalties, and to add felony animal torture to the list of non parole-able offenses. For all the information you'll need, including newly added form letters and contact information, please click here.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Defendants Who Tortured, Killed Puppy To Be Sentenced Friday 2/9
As we await sentencing, please take a moment tonight to include the puppy who died in such a horrific manner, and the children whose courage enabled this trial to take place, in your thoughts or prayers. Details of the sentence will be posted here tomorrow as soon as they come in.
In the meantime, thank you to everyone who has written the judge in favor of a harsh sentence for these reprehensible crimes. After the sentencing, I hope you will continue to visit this site. In tribute to the puppy killed by the Moulder brothers and to other animals who have suffered similarly terrible fates, we will be fully devoted to updating you on how to lobby for stronger animal torture laws in the state of Georgia.
If you will be in the Atlanta area on Friday and are considering attending the sentencing, here are the details:
Court begins at 9:00 am EST
Fulton County Justice Tower
Room 4-E, Judge Thelma Wyatt Moore
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-730-4981
Parking is on Pryor Street SW and is approx $12.00 for the entire day.
To view a map of the area and get driving directions, click here.
In the meantime, thank you to everyone who has written the judge in favor of a harsh sentence for these reprehensible crimes. After the sentencing, I hope you will continue to visit this site. In tribute to the puppy killed by the Moulder brothers and to other animals who have suffered similarly terrible fates, we will be fully devoted to updating you on how to lobby for stronger animal torture laws in the state of Georgia.
If you will be in the Atlanta area on Friday and are considering attending the sentencing, here are the details:
Court begins at 9:00 am EST
Fulton County Justice Tower
Room 4-E, Judge Thelma Wyatt Moore
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-730-4981
Parking is on Pryor Street SW and is approx $12.00 for the entire day.
To view a map of the area and get driving directions, click here.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
URGENT! Fax Judge Moore in Favor of the Maximum Sentence
Sentencing of Joshua and Justin Moulder on charges that they duct-taped, tortured, and baked a puppy to death in a gas oven, then threatened to kill the children who were shown the dead puppy is set for February 9th.
Honor the memory of this puppy and reward the courage of the children who reported these criminals by writing to the judge in favor of the strongest possible sentence. Please fax your letter to Judge Moore today.
Form letters can be downloaded by clicking here or here. For a copy-and-paste form letter, click here.
Fax to:
(404) 893-6608
(404) 730-0162
If you would like to do more, including attend the sentencing, please scroll down or see this post for details.
Honor the memory of this puppy and reward the courage of the children who reported these criminals by writing to the judge in favor of the strongest possible sentence. Please fax your letter to Judge Moore today.
Form letters can be downloaded by clicking here or here. For a copy-and-paste form letter, click here.
Fax to:
(404) 893-6608
(404) 730-0162
If you would like to do more, including attend the sentencing, please scroll down or see this post for details.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Less Than One Week Until Sentencing of Puppy Torturers
With less than one week to go until the sentencing of Joshua and Justin Moulder on charges that they duct-taped, tortured, and baked a puppy to death in a gas oven, then threatened to kill the children who were shown the dead puppy, your letters are needed now more than ever. Form letters can be downloaded by clicking here or here. For a copy-and-paste form letter, scroll down to the previous post or click here.
Mail to:
Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore
T4905 Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
Fax to:
(404) 893-6608
(404) 730-0162
If you've already sent in a letter, please email the information to family, friends, and acquaintances--even people who aren't animal lovers are moved by the horror of this case, and by the fact that these criminals pose a very real threat not just to animals but to human beings as well.
You can simply copy and paste the text of this post to send the information via email. Thank you for honoring this puppy's memory and the children who came forward to testify against the defendants.
Want to do more? Here are three additional ways you can make a difference:
1. Attend the sentencing
Make plans to attend the sentencing on February 9th, and encourage other animal lovers to do the same. The defendants will probably attempt to put on evidence about "mitigating circumstances" and we need a large turnout in support of the maximum punishment.
Where to go:
Fulton County Justice Tower
Room 4-E, Judge Thelma Wyatt Moore
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-730-4981
Parking is on Pryor Street SW and is approx $12.00 for the entire day.
2. Email the media
Write to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other local media outlets and tell them why you support the maximum punishment.
AJC Letters to the Editor Form
AJC Managing News Editor Hank Klibanoff
AJC Reporter David Bennett
WXIA-TV Reporter Paul Crawley
3. Lobby for stronger animal torture penalties in Georgia
Tell Georgia officials that 5 years in prison for torturing an animal isn't long enough. Click here for all the information you'll need.
Mail to:
Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore
T4905 Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
Fax to:
(404) 893-6608
(404) 730-0162
If you've already sent in a letter, please email the information to family, friends, and acquaintances--even people who aren't animal lovers are moved by the horror of this case, and by the fact that these criminals pose a very real threat not just to animals but to human beings as well.
You can simply copy and paste the text of this post to send the information via email. Thank you for honoring this puppy's memory and the children who came forward to testify against the defendants.
Want to do more? Here are three additional ways you can make a difference:
1. Attend the sentencing
Make plans to attend the sentencing on February 9th, and encourage other animal lovers to do the same. The defendants will probably attempt to put on evidence about "mitigating circumstances" and we need a large turnout in support of the maximum punishment.
Where to go:
Fulton County Justice Tower
Room 4-E, Judge Thelma Wyatt Moore
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-730-4981
Parking is on Pryor Street SW and is approx $12.00 for the entire day.
2. Email the media
Write to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other local media outlets and tell them why you support the maximum punishment.
AJC Letters to the Editor Form
AJC Managing News Editor Hank Klibanoff
AJC Reporter David Bennett
WXIA-TV Reporter Paul Crawley
3. Lobby for stronger animal torture penalties in Georgia
Tell Georgia officials that 5 years in prison for torturing an animal isn't long enough. Click here for all the information you'll need.
Friday, January 26, 2007
BREAKING: MOULDERS PLEAD GUILTY IN PUPPY TORTURE CASE!
Justin and Joshua Moulder, charged with torturing and baking a puppy to death, entered guilty pleas to the nine felony counts against each of them in Atlanta today. They face up to 90 years in prison, but could receive much less if the judge does not sentence them consecutively. Sentencing is scheduled for February 9th. To read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution article on the new developments, click here.
URGENT: Your letters to the judge in support of the maximum sentence for these animal torturers are desperately needed! Letters should be sent as soon as possible. If you would prefer to use one of our form letters, go to Letter 1 or Letter 2 and click "Download." A copy-and-paste form letter can be found at the bottom of this post.
Mail to:
Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore
T4905 Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
Fax to:
(404) 893-6608
(404) 730-0162
*form letter begins here*
RE: Sentencing for Justin Moulder and Joshua Moulder
Dear Judge Moore:
I am writing to you in support of the maximum sentence of 90 years in prison for Justin and Joshua Moulder.
In addition to defacing and burglarizing a community center, the defendants duct-taped, doused with paint, set on fire, and baked a puppy to death in a gas oven. According to trial testimony, the puppy thrashed about inside the oven, defecated on herself, and ground her claws down to bloody stumps as she tried in vain to escape. The suffering endured by this animal is beyond anything you or I can imagine.
Justin and Joshua Moulder's horrific actions required planning, deliberation, and callous indifference to life. Furthermore, the defendants showed no remorse after the fact, displaying the dead, brutalized puppy and threatening neighborhood children who would report the crimes. The research on animal abuse is clear: those who torture animals are very likely to commit similar crimes against people. Therefore, I firmly believe that these animal torturers should be imprisoned for the rest of their natural lives, and I urge you to impose the maximum penalty when they come before you for sentencing on February 9th.
Sincerely,
(Your signature)
Your name
Street address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
URGENT: Your letters to the judge in support of the maximum sentence for these animal torturers are desperately needed! Letters should be sent as soon as possible. If you would prefer to use one of our form letters, go to Letter 1 or Letter 2 and click "Download." A copy-and-paste form letter can be found at the bottom of this post.
Mail to:
Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore
T4905 Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
Fax to:
(404) 893-6608
(404) 730-0162
*form letter begins here*
RE: Sentencing for Justin Moulder and Joshua Moulder
Dear Judge Moore:
I am writing to you in support of the maximum sentence of 90 years in prison for Justin and Joshua Moulder.
In addition to defacing and burglarizing a community center, the defendants duct-taped, doused with paint, set on fire, and baked a puppy to death in a gas oven. According to trial testimony, the puppy thrashed about inside the oven, defecated on herself, and ground her claws down to bloody stumps as she tried in vain to escape. The suffering endured by this animal is beyond anything you or I can imagine.
Justin and Joshua Moulder's horrific actions required planning, deliberation, and callous indifference to life. Furthermore, the defendants showed no remorse after the fact, displaying the dead, brutalized puppy and threatening neighborhood children who would report the crimes. The research on animal abuse is clear: those who torture animals are very likely to commit similar crimes against people. Therefore, I firmly believe that these animal torturers should be imprisoned for the rest of their natural lives, and I urge you to impose the maximum penalty when they come before you for sentencing on February 9th.
Sincerely,
(Your signature)
Your name
Street address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Friday, January 12, 2007
Retrial begins 1/29
New tonight...please cut and paste and send to everyone you know!
The retrial of Joshua and Justin Moulder for torturing and baking a 3-month old puppy to death in an oven is scheduled to begin January 29th at 9:30 am. Jury selection is expected to last a day or two, followed by opening statements.
Your presence in court is extremely important! During the first trial, news reports frequently cited the number of spectators (and often quoted their opinions on the case) as proof that the public was outraged. We need to keep the pressure on.
If you'll be in the Atlanta area in late January/early February, please note the information below, make plans to attend, and invite every animal lover you know. Even if you won't be in Atlanta, spread the word far and wide--yours could be the email that helps fill the courtroom!
Where to go:
Fulton County Justice Tower
Room 4-E, Judge Thelma Wyatt Moore
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-730-4981
Parking is on Pryor Street SW and is approx $12.00 for the entire day.
Please RSVP to Amanda at gadove2005@yahoo.com if you'd like to coordinate with other animal lovers who will be there, too.
To view a map of the area and get driving directions, click here.
The retrial of Joshua and Justin Moulder for torturing and baking a 3-month old puppy to death in an oven is scheduled to begin January 29th at 9:30 am. Jury selection is expected to last a day or two, followed by opening statements.
Your presence in court is extremely important! During the first trial, news reports frequently cited the number of spectators (and often quoted their opinions on the case) as proof that the public was outraged. We need to keep the pressure on.
If you'll be in the Atlanta area in late January/early February, please note the information below, make plans to attend, and invite every animal lover you know. Even if you won't be in Atlanta, spread the word far and wide--yours could be the email that helps fill the courtroom!
Where to go:
Fulton County Justice Tower
Room 4-E, Judge Thelma Wyatt Moore
136 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-730-4981
Parking is on Pryor Street SW and is approx $12.00 for the entire day.
Please RSVP to Amanda at gadove2005@yahoo.com if you'd like to coordinate with other animal lovers who will be there, too.
To view a map of the area and get driving directions, click here.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Retrial delayed...
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tonight:
"The re-trial of two Atlanta brothers accused of killing a puppy by baking it inside a gas oven has been delayed. Fulton County court officials said Tuesday the transcript from the initial trial last month had not yet been prepared. It was not immediately clear Tuesday afternoon when the second trial would begin."
PLEASE keep the spotlight on this case and on Georgia's animal torture laws while we wait for the new trial to start. The legislative year is just beginning and your letters, faxes, and emails to Georgia officials are needed now more than ever! See How You Can Help below.
Thank you all.
"The re-trial of two Atlanta brothers accused of killing a puppy by baking it inside a gas oven has been delayed. Fulton County court officials said Tuesday the transcript from the initial trial last month had not yet been prepared. It was not immediately clear Tuesday afternoon when the second trial would begin."
PLEASE keep the spotlight on this case and on Georgia's animal torture laws while we wait for the new trial to start. The legislative year is just beginning and your letters, faxes, and emails to Georgia officials are needed now more than ever! See How You Can Help below.
Thank you all.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Why the DA's office deserves our thanks
Are you impressed with the conduct of the Fulton County District Attorney's office in this case? I am and here's why.
DA Paul Howard and Assistant DA Laura Janssen have pursued this case vigorously and their conduct is an outstanding example for cruelty prosecutions everywhere. Because Georgia's existing law provides for only 5 years in prison on an animal torture charge, the defendants are also charged for the other crimes they are alleged to have committed, such as cruelty to children (showing the dead puppy to neighborhood kids) and making terroristic threats (threatening to kill the kids if they told anyone). When the mistrial was declared after one holdout juror refused to deliberate, the DA's office moved for an immediate retrial and sought to again have the defendants held without bond. Both motions were granted.
As we wait for the new trial to begin on January 3, please consider emailing some words of thanks and encouragement to DA Howard and Assistant DA Janssen through their spokeswoman, Lyn Vaughn. And--even more importantly--please see the post below on how you can help to increase animal torture penalties in Georgia so that this kind of vigorous prosecution is the norm and not the exception.
DA Paul Howard and Assistant DA Laura Janssen have pursued this case vigorously and their conduct is an outstanding example for cruelty prosecutions everywhere. Because Georgia's existing law provides for only 5 years in prison on an animal torture charge, the defendants are also charged for the other crimes they are alleged to have committed, such as cruelty to children (showing the dead puppy to neighborhood kids) and making terroristic threats (threatening to kill the kids if they told anyone). When the mistrial was declared after one holdout juror refused to deliberate, the DA's office moved for an immediate retrial and sought to again have the defendants held without bond. Both motions were granted.
As we wait for the new trial to begin on January 3, please consider emailing some words of thanks and encouragement to DA Howard and Assistant DA Janssen through their spokeswoman, Lyn Vaughn. And--even more importantly--please see the post below on how you can help to increase animal torture penalties in Georgia so that this kind of vigorous prosecution is the norm and not the exception.
Monday, December 18, 2006
How You Can Help
As a result of this case, the Fulton County District Attorney, Paul Howard, has written to Governor Perdue and other state officials urging an increase in the criminal penalty for animal torture: http://www.fultonda.org/featuredarticle/humanesociety.htm
Please take a moment to write an email or hard copy letter or make a phone call (or better yet, all three!) to Georgia's Governor, House Speaker, and the Representative for Fulton County to declare your support for increased penalties for animal torture in Georgia. You do not need to be a Georgia resident to participate! Non-Georgia residents, let the officials know that people from all over the nation, including Georgia residents and businesspeople and tourists who love to spend money in Georgia, are watching them and want justice for this puppy and all abused animals in the state. If you are a Georgia resident, please also contact your local representative and senator (see links below).
Click the following links to download pre-addressed form letters for Governor Sonny Perdue, Speaker Glenn Richardson, and Representative Bob Holmes. If you prefer, a copy-and-paste form letter, along with contact info for the relevant officials, is posted below. And please remember: hard copies of letters always mean more to politicians than email or phone calls.
Thank you for honoring this little dog's memory.
Dear _____________________________,
Due to an especially horrific recent case of animal cruelty in Fulton County, I am writing to urge you to support an increase in criminal penalties for animal torture in the state of Georgia. As you know, people who commit heinous crimes against animals are much more likely to harm human beings, and this particular case of animal cruelty is so reprehensible it cries out for a change in the law.
According to the Fulton County District Attorney, in August 2006, Justin Moulder, 18, and Joshua Moulder, 17, "brought a tan and white puppy into the [Englewood Manor] Community Center. They tied her front paws together with duct tape, tied her rear paws together with duct tape, and then taped her front and hind legs together with tape. They wound tape so tightly around the puppy’s mouth and nose she could barely breathe.
That was only the beginning. The puppy, less than five months old, was immersed in white paint which the defendants tried to ignite with matches or a lighter. When that didn’t work, they removed two shelves from a commercial gas range, put the pup inside, turned on the gas and literally cooked this animal inside and out. The puppy’s body was so charred; the doctor who performed the necropsy could not determine which breed she was."
According to trial testimony, the puppy thrashed about inside the oven, defecated on herself, and ground her claws down to bloody stumps as she tried in vain to escape. The suffering endured by this animal is beyond anything you or I can imagine.
Following this horrific case, the eyes of the nation are on Georgia. Please demonstrate that you believe no animal should ever be treated in such a manner in the great state of Georgia and should it happen, those responsible will be severely punished. Currently, conviction under Georgia’s felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals law is punishable by just five (5) years in prison. I hope you will consider supporting a change in the law to increase the penalty to at least ten (10) years, and that you will add the crime of felony animal torture to the list of serious violent felonies that are not eligible for parole.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Mail to:
The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Governor, State of Georgia
203 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404-656-1776
404-657-7332 (Fax)
email contact page:
http://www.gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml
The Honorable Representative Glenn Richardson
Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives
PO Box 1750
Hiram, Georgia 30141
glenn.richardson@house.ga.gov
(404)656-5644 (Fax)
(770) 445-4438 (Phone)
The Honorable Representative Bob Holmes
PO Box 110009
Atlanta, Georgia 30311-3203
carglor9@cs.com
(404)651-8086 (Fax)
(404)656-0116 (Phone)
Are you a Georgia resident?
Here are links to contact information for state senators and representatives (click "Bio" and then "Contact Sheet" by your representative's name or district).
Please take a moment to write an email or hard copy letter or make a phone call (or better yet, all three!) to Georgia's Governor, House Speaker, and the Representative for Fulton County to declare your support for increased penalties for animal torture in Georgia. You do not need to be a Georgia resident to participate! Non-Georgia residents, let the officials know that people from all over the nation, including Georgia residents and businesspeople and tourists who love to spend money in Georgia, are watching them and want justice for this puppy and all abused animals in the state. If you are a Georgia resident, please also contact your local representative and senator (see links below).
Click the following links to download pre-addressed form letters for Governor Sonny Perdue, Speaker Glenn Richardson, and Representative Bob Holmes. If you prefer, a copy-and-paste form letter, along with contact info for the relevant officials, is posted below. And please remember: hard copies of letters always mean more to politicians than email or phone calls.
Thank you for honoring this little dog's memory.
Dear _____________________________,
Due to an especially horrific recent case of animal cruelty in Fulton County, I am writing to urge you to support an increase in criminal penalties for animal torture in the state of Georgia. As you know, people who commit heinous crimes against animals are much more likely to harm human beings, and this particular case of animal cruelty is so reprehensible it cries out for a change in the law.
According to the Fulton County District Attorney, in August 2006, Justin Moulder, 18, and Joshua Moulder, 17, "brought a tan and white puppy into the [Englewood Manor] Community Center. They tied her front paws together with duct tape, tied her rear paws together with duct tape, and then taped her front and hind legs together with tape. They wound tape so tightly around the puppy’s mouth and nose she could barely breathe.
That was only the beginning. The puppy, less than five months old, was immersed in white paint which the defendants tried to ignite with matches or a lighter. When that didn’t work, they removed two shelves from a commercial gas range, put the pup inside, turned on the gas and literally cooked this animal inside and out. The puppy’s body was so charred; the doctor who performed the necropsy could not determine which breed she was."
According to trial testimony, the puppy thrashed about inside the oven, defecated on herself, and ground her claws down to bloody stumps as she tried in vain to escape. The suffering endured by this animal is beyond anything you or I can imagine.
Following this horrific case, the eyes of the nation are on Georgia. Please demonstrate that you believe no animal should ever be treated in such a manner in the great state of Georgia and should it happen, those responsible will be severely punished. Currently, conviction under Georgia’s felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals law is punishable by just five (5) years in prison. I hope you will consider supporting a change in the law to increase the penalty to at least ten (10) years, and that you will add the crime of felony animal torture to the list of serious violent felonies that are not eligible for parole.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Mail to:
The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Governor, State of Georgia
203 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404-656-1776
404-657-7332 (Fax)
email contact page:
http://www.gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml
The Honorable Representative Glenn Richardson
Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives
PO Box 1750
Hiram, Georgia 30141
glenn.richardson@house.ga.gov
(404)656-5644 (Fax)
(770) 445-4438 (Phone)
The Honorable Representative Bob Holmes
PO Box 110009
Atlanta, Georgia 30311-3203
carglor9@cs.com
(404)651-8086 (Fax)
(404)656-0116 (Phone)
Are you a Georgia resident?
Here are links to contact information for state senators and representatives (click "Bio" and then "Contact Sheet" by your representative's name or district).
More background on the case
Here are links to some background articles on the case:
Two Face Judge in Puppy Torture
Two brothers charged with torturing a puppy and putting the animal in an oven will face a court hearing in Atlanta today.
10/9/2006
Officers Testify on Puppy Torture
A police sergeant who helped arrest two brothers in a puppy torture case testified Monday about the gruesome crime scene.
12/11/2006
Evidence Examined At Puppy Trial
Prosecutors turn to microscopic evidence in the case of two teens accused of puppy torture.
12/12/2006
Vet Testifies in Puppy Torture Trial
Once again, jurors had to hear horribly difficult testimony in the trial of two teenage boys accused of torturing a puppy to death.
12/13/2006
Jan. Retrial in Puppy Abuse Case
A January retrial date has been set for two teens accused of torturing and killing a puppy by baking it in an oven.
12/16/2006
You can also sign an online petition supporting the vigorous prosecution of the men accused in this case here.
Two Face Judge in Puppy Torture
Two brothers charged with torturing a puppy and putting the animal in an oven will face a court hearing in Atlanta today.
10/9/2006
Officers Testify on Puppy Torture
A police sergeant who helped arrest two brothers in a puppy torture case testified Monday about the gruesome crime scene.
12/11/2006
Evidence Examined At Puppy Trial
Prosecutors turn to microscopic evidence in the case of two teens accused of puppy torture.
12/12/2006
Vet Testifies in Puppy Torture Trial
Once again, jurors had to hear horribly difficult testimony in the trial of two teenage boys accused of torturing a puppy to death.
12/13/2006
Jan. Retrial in Puppy Abuse Case
A January retrial date has been set for two teens accused of torturing and killing a puppy by baking it in an oven.
12/16/2006
You can also sign an online petition supporting the vigorous prosecution of the men accused in this case here.
Holdout stuns jurors, forces retrial in puppy death
From the Atlanta Journal-Consitution 12/16/06:
The mistrial occured because "one juror simply refused to consider whether two brothers were guilty of hogtying a small puppy and stuffing it live inside a searing hot gas oven. And, that was enough to save Joshua and Justin Moulder — at least for now...During testimony, prosecutors in detail explained how the 13-pound, mixed-breed puppy thrashed about inside a gas oven — bouncing its nose, tail, back and feet against the searing metal in a futile attempt to escape."
Click here to read the full story.
Update: The "holdout" juror, Elizabeth Strong, claims that she came prepared to convict but that the state failed to prove their case. Of course, eleven other people hearing the same evidence she did disagreed with her and wanted to convict. Plus, Ms. Strong doesn't address the allegation by her fellow jurors that she refused to deliberate. According to Jury Foreman Steven White, "We tried to get [Strong] to focus on what was presented as evidence, not what wasn't. Our charge was to look at the evidence that was presented, not the lack of evidence." Exactly.
Click here for the story. (Thanks to A. for alerting us to this article. Because of copyright issues we cannot post the full text here.)
The mistrial occured because "one juror simply refused to consider whether two brothers were guilty of hogtying a small puppy and stuffing it live inside a searing hot gas oven. And, that was enough to save Joshua and Justin Moulder — at least for now...During testimony, prosecutors in detail explained how the 13-pound, mixed-breed puppy thrashed about inside a gas oven — bouncing its nose, tail, back and feet against the searing metal in a futile attempt to escape."
Click here to read the full story.
Update: The "holdout" juror, Elizabeth Strong, claims that she came prepared to convict but that the state failed to prove their case. Of course, eleven other people hearing the same evidence she did disagreed with her and wanted to convict. Plus, Ms. Strong doesn't address the allegation by her fellow jurors that she refused to deliberate. According to Jury Foreman Steven White, "We tried to get [Strong] to focus on what was presented as evidence, not what wasn't. Our charge was to look at the evidence that was presented, not the lack of evidence." Exactly.
Click here for the story. (Thanks to A. for alerting us to this article. Because of copyright issues we cannot post the full text here.)
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