- Pennsylvania, USA -
~ Update: July 2, 2023
On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury sentenced 34-years-old JAMES ROBERT STANDRIDGE (pictured) to the statutory maximum of fourteen (14) years for two counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.
Additionally, Judge Salisbury imposed an aggravated minimum sentence on both counts, meaning that STANDRIDGE won’t be eligible for parole until he serves thirty (30) months in state prison.
In January 2023, STANDRIDGE tied his dog Luna to a tree, shot her multiple times, and left her to die.
Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse said that before Judge Salisbury handed down the sentence, he told STANDRIDGE: “In 10 years as judge, I have never sentenced a defendant in the aggravated range (of the PA Sentencing Guidelines), but that will change today. You didn’t show ‘Lucky’ any mercy, and likewise, this Court will not show you mercy now.”
~ Update: May 10, 2023
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, JAMES ROBERT STANDRIDGE (pictured) appeared before Judge Michael F. Salisbury in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas. STANDRIDGE entered guilty pleas to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals by Torture, and one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals by Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury or Death, both felonies.
Crime Watch reports that Judge Salisbury asked STANDRIDGE to recount the facts that ultimately led to his criminal charges. STANDRIDGE told the Court that he had tied a dog named Luna to a tree and shot her two times. STANDRIDGE went on to say that he believed Luna was dead and left quickly because he saw a car coming. STANDRIDGE claimed Luna had attacked his older dog in his home in front of his children so he decided to shoot her.
At the pleas hearing, Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse “informed the Court that the Commonwealth would be seeking restitution for vet bills and other services provided by the Clinton County SPCA for Luna”, stated the press release by Crime Watch.
STANDRIDGE balked at the request for restitution, claiming that the SPCA had raised “more than $10,000” in fundraising following the news about Luna posted on social media. Judge Salisbury advised STANDRIDGE that he could dispute the restitution amount at his sentencing, and the Court would decide that issue at a later date.
Judge Salisbury ordered a pre-sentence investigation and social history report to be completed by the Clinton County Adult Probation Department prior to sentencing which was scheduled for June 2023. That report is expected to provide more information about STANDRIDGE and the circumstances of the crimes.
When Luna was placed in the care of the Clinton County S.P.C.A., staff aptly renamed her Lucky.
A few hours ago through a Facebook post, the Clinton County S.P.C.A announced that this sweet furbaby has just been adopted and her new family has renamed her Bunni.
Part of the post read: “The once 4 legged helpless girl who was tied to a tree in a wooded area with her own leash. Shot at 3 times, with two bullets striking her and one still remaining in her. She freed her own self from her collar, made it about 35 feet, and nestled down, where she laid for 6 days, in freezing temperatures, snow storms, no one seeing her until someone did and made the call to us, is NOW A VIBRANT 3 legged incredible dog. Still so forgiving of humans who once failed her! Taught so much love and patience during all of this process, FINALLY FINALLY has a home to call HERS! She has an incredible couple who I just know is going to spoil and love her endlessly! She deserves just that.”
~ Original story:
The Pine Creek Township Police Department made an arrest in the case of a dog found shot in Clinton County.
Police recounted the heartbreaking facts in a news release and said that on January 27, 2023, Clinton County S.P.C.A. received a call from a motorist who was “traveling on Pine Mountain Road in the 1700 block, when the driver noticed a dog lying under some laurel bushes by the road in the area of a pull off.”
Officials with the Clinton County S.P.C.A. responded to the scene and found a brindle-colored female Pitbull terrier who was injured with visible open wounds. At first, officials thought the dog had been hit by a car but the findings on the scene revealed a different scenario.
S.P.C.A. agents in fact, found a pink dog leash tied to a tree close to where the dog was laying. A further inspection of the area made it apparent the dog had been tied to the leash and eventually got out of it. Additionally, officials found three bullet casings.
The VOICELESS VICTIM was taken to RoseBird Veterinary Center in Jersey Shore where X-rays revealed the presence of two bullets lodged in the body of the dog. Only one of the two bullets could be removed. The furbaby suffered “a shattered humerus bone and has undergone surgery and continues to be hospitalized,” stated the release.
On January 31, 2023, the Shelter Manager of the Clinton County SPCA contacted the Pine Creek Township Police Department and informed them of the situation.
Once the S.P.C.A. posted pictures of the dog asking the community if someone knew who her guardian was, calls started coming in with that information.
This was then passed on to the Pine Creek Township Police Department and officers made contact with 34-years-old JAMES ROBERT STANDRIDGE (pictured), of Jersey Shore. STANDRIDGE was asked to go to the station for an interview during which he admitted that the dog, named Luna, was his.
According to the release, STANDRIDGE stated that on January 21, 2023, he took Luna to the location where she was found, tied her to the tree, and fired three shots at her. STANDRIDGE added he thought Luna was dead.
STANDRIDGE was arrested on February 2, 2023, on two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals (Felony 3), one count of cruelty to animals (Misdemeanor 2), and three counts of neglect of an animal (Misdemeanor 3).
On the same day, this lowlife was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Keith G. Kibler and bail was set at $50,000.
Meanwhile, Luna, now aptly renamed Lucky, is in the amazing care of the Clinton County S.P.C.A. and the nonprofit posted an update on her condition.
Part of their Facebook post reads: “Her humerus is shattered. Her foot covered in maggots at the entry wound of one shot. It’s heart wrenching to even type it. She will [undergo] a repair of the shattered bones by pinning them, to try to prevent amputation when she is healthy enough to do so. She will face an extensive amount of recovery and therapy. She is the most gentle, sweetest dog.”
As you can imagine, Lucky’s medical care won’t be cheap and the Clinton County S.P.C.A. needs help. Please, click here if you wish and can afford to contribute. Thank you!
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
Lucky’s pictures shared from the Clinton County S.P.C.A.
STANDRIDGE’s mugshot shared from the Pine Creek Township Police Department.
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