Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) - Promoting the humane treatment of animals through legislation, education and advocacy

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Keith Meredith tied a dog to a tree and then methodically beat the animal to death while it cried out in pain.  The D.A. could have very easily charged and prosecuted Meredith himself.  However, it appears the D.A. took the case before a grand jury in an attempt to avoid prosecuting Meredith.  Meredith claimed to have killed the dog in self defense, but the animal was tethered when bludgeoned. Self defense is a defense to 42.092 ONLY when there is a legitimate danger.  That was not the case here.   

Please send a polite but direct email to the D.A. (copy the media listed below with this same email) summarizing your position and requesting that Keith Meredith be prosecuted. (Please do NOT cut and paste as that will get little, if any, attention from the intended recipient. Please use your own words.)

Email:
Van Zandt District Attorney, Chris Martin
DistrictAttorney@vanzandtcounty.org

Please CC the media in your email:

CBS 19
Abby Broyles
abroyles@cbs19.tv

Canton Herald
Julie Vaughan, Editor
editor@vanzandtnews.com
vznews@aol.com

KLTV
Annette Falconer
afalconer@kltv.com

Please send the following request in your own words:  

1. Request Keith Meredith be charged and tried under Section 42.092 of the Texas Penal Code;
2. Request that additional evidence be submitted to a new grand jury, specifically witness statements and the direct testimony of Officer Bradshaw, not just a report that was likely ambiguous;
3. Note 42.092 was created for the sole purpose of prosecuting the specific crimes perpetrated by Keith Meredith;
4. Failing to prosecute will allow this offender to avoid punishment and return to society to commit further, possibly more heinous crimes against people and animals; and
5. Request Keith Meredith be charged with a state jail felony serving the maximum sentence allowed by law.

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Issue Links: Chained/Tethered Dogs, Animal Cruelty