What is the name of your state? Indiana
Yesterday, a pack of 200+ motorcycles that were on a group-organized ride sped down my street. It was unusual enough just to have this many motorcycles in a rural area. When my dog went to check out the commotion (while he was still in the yard, at least six feet in from the road), a motorcyclist swerved on to the grass on private property to hit and kill my dog. A neighbor witnessed what happened, and said that he could hear the other cyclists laughing about it and proceeding to run over him many more times for sport. It was obvious that it was intentional and out of sheer cruelty and disregard for someone's small, docile pet.
I have found out who organized the ride, I have notified the police (who have done nothing so far) and I want to pursue finding the individual(s) that was responsible. I have asked the organziation that sponsored the ride to ask around to see if anyone saw anything, but I doubt they will cooperate.
My question is this: is this a criminal or a civil matter? I would assume it might end up being both. If we can pinpoint an individual, I would think we could press charges for animal cruelty, what with the eye witness and whatever evidence (tire tracks in the yard, etc) that was available. If we cannot nail down an individual, what liability would the organization as a whole have? Any?
Please let me know your thoughts on this issue. It was a really gruesome thing to happen to a great pet/friend. I'd hate to think that whoever did this can get away with it.
Yesterday, a pack of 200+ motorcycles that were on a group-organized ride sped down my street. It was unusual enough just to have this many motorcycles in a rural area. When my dog went to check out the commotion (while he was still in the yard, at least six feet in from the road), a motorcyclist swerved on to the grass on private property to hit and kill my dog. A neighbor witnessed what happened, and said that he could hear the other cyclists laughing about it and proceeding to run over him many more times for sport. It was obvious that it was intentional and out of sheer cruelty and disregard for someone's small, docile pet.
I have found out who organized the ride, I have notified the police (who have done nothing so far) and I want to pursue finding the individual(s) that was responsible. I have asked the organziation that sponsored the ride to ask around to see if anyone saw anything, but I doubt they will cooperate.
My question is this: is this a criminal or a civil matter? I would assume it might end up being both. If we can pinpoint an individual, I would think we could press charges for animal cruelty, what with the eye witness and whatever evidence (tire tracks in the yard, etc) that was available. If we cannot nail down an individual, what liability would the organization as a whole have? Any?
Please let me know your thoughts on this issue. It was a really gruesome thing to happen to a great pet/friend. I'd hate to think that whoever did this can get away with it.