I would like to thank you in advance for your thorough prosecution of Rusty Lewark, which I hope will include a meaningful jail sentence and consecutive sentencing orders on each killed dog.
However, most importantly, for the protection of any future victim animals or humans, please ask the Court for the following:
A court order denying Mr. Lewark ownership of any animals until he has successfully completed some type of psychological treatment, after which Mr. Lewark must prove to the court that he is capable of properly caring for an animal.
On February 21, 2010, Rusty Lewark admittedly went into his backyard (leaving his three small children inside the home) and brutally slaughtered his two family dogs. He tied the first dog to a tree and bashed its head in with an axe until it was dead. Mr. Lewark then took the other dog and tried to hang it. When that failed, he beat it to death with a heavy stick. Mr. Lewark then drove several miles from his home and tossed both dogs in a dumpster like trash.
At the initial appearance hearing, Judge Majeed denied bail for Mr. Lewark, stating that experts have proven that if a person abuses an animal it is very likely that he/she will continue on to commit violent crimes against humans.
At the arraignment hearing, Judge Dugan released Mr. Lewark on bond with the stipulation that he could not reside in a residence with any animals. Shortly after Mr. Lewark’s release, he was found in violation of his probation when officers entered his home and found a dog under his bed.
Mr. Doyle, animal victims of abuse and neglect cannot speak for themselves - so concerned citizens in the community and our legal system must speak up for them. Your community expects and appreciates that animal cruelty be taken seriously.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Your Address)
(Your City, State, Zip Code)
www.voicesforellaCF.org
cc:
Brevard County, Florida
Clerk of the Court, Scott Ellis
P.O. Box 219
Titusville, FL 32781-0219
Kurt A. Russell, Public Defender
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Bldg. E
Viera, Florida 32940