21/12/2021
PRESS RELEASE
Kansas City-Based Non-Profit Wins Seven-Figure Victory in The Fight to End Animal Abuse
After three and a half years of legal battles, a Buchanan County, Missouri court ruled in favor of Animal Justice League of America (AJLA) and Unleashed Pet Rescue (UPR) in a civil case for a pit bull-type dog named “Laggie,” who survived being shot twice in the head with a .45 caliber handgun by a Missouri resident, Jeffrey Smith.
Mr. Smith, a convicted felon, did not receive prison time for the encounter.
The civil case, and award, are the first of their kind and usher in a new tool in the fight to end animal abuse.
On December 14th, 2021 Judge Kate Shaefer signed the final judgment order for $1,335,083.66. People familiar with the matter say that it’s unlikely that Unleashed Pet Rescue (the rescue organization that responded and saved the life of Laggie) or AJLA, including its founder, Shane Rudman, will ever see any of the funds.
Mr. Rudman stated, “While any funds collected will go directly towards medical bills and the fight to end further animal abuse, we don’t believe we’ll see those dollars. Even though collection is unlikely, I intend to file wage garnishments wherever convicted felon Jeff Smith works for the rest of his life. The purpose is to make animal abusers everywhere aware that there will be consequences to their actions that follow them indefinitely.”
Laggie, the dog at the center of the case, was adopted by the Rudman family after being treated and released from Blue Pearl Animal Hospital in Overland Park, KS. She enjoyed a peaceful and loving life until passing recently from natural causes. “Justice for Laggie” has inspired a movement across the country and social media to bring awareness to the thousands of animal abuse incidents that occur each year.
The case is also catching the attention of lawmakers who recognize what AJLA and peers have dubbed “the link,” where a significant number of animal abusers also commit violent crimes against humans after not suffering consequences for their abusive actions.
Said David Gregory, Chair of the Missouri House Judiciary Committee and attorney representing AJLA and UPR, "The result we achieved also sends a clear message to anyone committing animal cruelty: We're coming for you..."
About Animal Justice League of America: Animal Justice League of America (AJLA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit headquartered in Missouri with the mission of ending animal abuse through real accountability. AJLA uses education, awareness, and civil proceedings to bring accountability and justice to animal abusers where criminal proceedings fall short. The organization and its founder, Shane Rudman, seek to educate others on “the link” between animal abuse and human abuse. Find out more about “the link” and AJLA at AnimalJLA.org
