Nitro Foundation Holds Rally

Outside the courtroom at Zanesville Municipal Court representatives of Nitro Foundation rallied to draw attention to animal cruelty.

The foundation is pushing for the passage of House Bill 108 also known as Nitro’s Law, which calls for stiffer penalties for animal cruelty, abuse and neglect. One member was outraged at the case involving Justin Smith, who authorities said slit the throat of his girlfriend’s dog.

"I was appalled. I was disgusted," said Aimee Caine who works with WHINNY Horse Rescue, "He’s just absolutely ridiculous in this. He used the excuse because I could. He was attempting to get his girlfriend’s attention. What’s going to happen next when he wants her attention? What’s he going to do? He’s proven he’s dangerous."

Nitro’s Law has already passed the State House and Caine said this fall they’ll push for passage in the Senate. Caine, who cares for some of these neglected animals said this bill is important.

"I see then everyday and see the changes in recovery that happen," explained Caine. "Their abusers just walk free and it’s sickening to me."

If Nitro’s Law is passed it would make it a felony offense for extreme cases of cruelty, neglect, abuse and abandonment. The law is named after a dog that was found at High Caliber K-9 in Youngstown, Ohio where dogs weren’t cared for by the businesses owner.