John,
Warning: this dog’s story is upsetting.
Bella, an 11-year-old shepherd mix from New York, was killed by her trusted guardian, Michael Gallagher. Gallagher tied a zip-tie around Bella’s neck, shoved her into a garbage bag, and then viciously beat her with a metal shovel.
Bella didn’t deserve to be abused like this — no dog does. And 2020 must be the year we win justice for her and other animal victims of cruelty. Please make an urgent gift now, and it will be doubled to fight for justice for Bella and animal victims like her in 2020.
Bella’s injuries were so severe, she had to be euthanized. But Gallagher was sentenced to just four months in county jail for his heinous crime. That’s not justice. And that’s why your support now, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar, is so critical.
When New York’s legislative session begins next year, we must advance Bella’s Bill, which will ensure that the punishment fits the crime for animal abusers like Gallagher. Your support — doubled in value — is vital to this and other lifesaving policy work across the country — so please make your year-end gift to the Animal Legal Defense Fund today.
Your year-end gift today will help us fight for stronger animal cruelty laws in states like New York where animal abusers like Gallagher get a slap on the wrist for their crimes. It’s vital that convicted abusers receive appropriate sentencing for felonious cruelty to animals, and most importantly, bans on possessing more animals in the future.
