HSU Applauds Paschall Sentencing!
The Humane Society of Utah applauds the recent sentencing of Joseph Ned Paschall to one year in the Davis County jail. Paschall had been charged with attempted torture of a companion animal after confessing last October to staging his own kidnapping. As part of his attempt to cover up the faked kidnapping, Paschall had stabbed his own dog to death.
Paschall was charged with filing a false police report, for which he was given a suspended sentence of 180 days. He could also have been charged with animal cruelty, which is now a third degree felony in Utah, carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
Nonetheless, the Humane Society of Utah is pleased the Second District Court in Farmington saw fit to punish Paschall for his callous crime against a defenseless animal and ensure he serves time for his actions.
Paschall was also ordered to complete a mental health evaluation. The Humane Society of Utah strongly recommends the courts forbid Paschall from ever owning a companion animal again, and hopes when the case comes up for review in September, Judge Morris insist Paschall finish serving his full sentence of 365 days.
Sentencing for Utah Dog Killer
Joseph Pachall of Bountiful, Utah is scheduled to be sentenced in Second District Court by Judge John R. Morris on July 1, 2010. Mr. Pachall was originally charged in the Fall of 2009 with stabbing his family dog to death and filing a false report with the police, claiming he had been kidnapped.
Torturing and abusing an animal in Utah is now a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, during a preliminary hearing held on April 30, 2010, Mr. Pachall was allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of attempted torture of a companion animal which is a Class “A” misdemeanor carrying a reduced sentence and fine.
The Humane Society is once again soliciting your support, asking you to write a letter to Judge Morris asking Mr. Pachall receive the maximum sentence and fine for his cruel and callous actions, that he receive psychological counseling, and never be allowed to own animals or interact with them in the future. Your letter should be addressed to:
The Honorable Judge John R. Morris
Davis County-Farmington District Court
800 West State Street (P.O. Box 769)
Farmington, Utah 84025
Please write your letter as soon as possible and ask friends and relatives to do the same. Those in our state who love animals must remain vigilant and let it be known that torturing and abusing an animal will no longer be tolerated in Utah. The case number is #101700180. Thank you!
