On Tuesday morning, Jayne May created a Facebook page titled “Donations for Northstar” to provide information and help raise funds for a Crawford County horse who was doused with an unknown flammable liquid and intentionally set on fire. Not even 48 hours later, over 1,000 people had joined the group to help raise donations, download flyers, and express their outrage towards this egregious crime.
Early Sunday morning Athens Township resident, Jessie Woodworth found her horse Northstar hiding in the woods on the 60 acre farm where he had been living. When the horse heard the familiar voice of his owner, he whinnied but this time it wasn’t for treats or an affectionate rub; it was the intense, painful reaction to the severe burns all over his body and face. Even Northstar’s face was burned to the bone; his eyelashes, nostril hairs and the hair in his ears all gone.
Dr. Amanda Turner of Marley Veterinary Clinic in Titusville is administering pain medications and antibiotics to the horse Jessie Woodworth has raised since the horse’s birth, but Northstar has only been given a 50-50 chance of recovering; the fear of an infection compromises his chances for survival.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s annual report of United States animal protection law rankings rate Pennsylvania animal cruelty laws in the bottom tier at 44 across the nation. In Pennsylvania there are no felony provisions for first time offenders for animal neglect or cruelty offenses; no matter how heinous the crime.
In addition Pennsylvania does not require veterinarians to report animal cruelty, does not mandate counseling for offenders, nor does the state mandate that animal shelters be reimbursed for the costs of feeding, housing and caring for seized animals.
For the fourth consecutive year, Illinois has held the spot for the best animal cruelty laws in the nation while Kentucky for the fifth year in a row continues to have the dubious distinction of having the weakest animal protection laws in the United States.
To help Northstar, you can donate to the Northstar Fund in care of Marley Veterinary Clinic, 11416 Hydetown Road, Titusville, Pa. 16354 or go to any PNC Bank and make a donation under “Donations for Northstar.” Jessie Woodworth estimates the care for Northstar will run into thousands of dollars, but wants to do everything to save Northstar.
Donations may also be sent via paypal by clicking here.
If you have any information as to the person(s) responsible for this heinous crime, please call the Pennsylvania State Police at (814)-663-2043 or (800)-922-1975.
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