Sign: Justice for Dog who Died After Being Shot, Weighed Down in Pond

Published: November 12, 2024 at 06:27 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Nelsonville, Ohio – On November 1, people who set out for a day of fishing at a pond on Pine Grove Drive made a chilling discovery. Beneath the water was a deceased gray and white female dog who had been weighed down and discarded like unwanted trash.

According to the Athens County Humane Society, the deceased dog had been shot and weighing her body down appears to be an intentional effort to conceal the body. In a November 8 news release, the animal welfare agency said:

“The dog had been shot, the body was weighed down and discarded in the pond to conceal its location.”

The Good News:

Animal Victory is in contact with Athens County Humane Society and can confirm that a suspect has been identified, along with supporting evidence. However, this is the only information available for public release at this time.

We need your signature and support to ensure that the person(s) responsible for this horrific act of cruelty faces justice upon their arrest and charges. This crime cannot go unpunished, and together, we will push for a conviction and the maximum sentence.

Targets

• Keller Joseph Blackburn, Athens County Prosecutor

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand justice for the innocent dog whose life was taken in an act of disturbing cruelty. Although the perpetrator’s identity has not been publicly confirmed, the evidence shows intentional harm and an effort to hide this innocent animal’s body in a pond. Animal Victory and its supporters call for a full investigation and the harshest punishment upon the individual’s arrest. No animal should endure such suffering, and this tragedy must serve as a stand against senseless cruelty.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

Scioto Valley Guardian

Hoodline

Update 3/12/2025: Animal Victory sent petition to the DA with updated signatures. 

Update 2/24/2025: Jury trial was vacated (2/20/2025) by the judge, and a new status hearing was scheduled on 03/26/2025; Case #: 24CR0461

Update 2/11/2025: Animal Victory sent petition to the DA with updated signatures. 

Update 1/15/2025: Defendant 54 year-old Scott McCall, Case 24-CR-0461. First arraignment on 01/16/2025, jury trial on 02/20/2025. McCall has been charged with Felony 5th degree – cruelty to animals, and Felony 3rd degree, obscuring/ hiding evidence.

Update 12/15/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the judge and DA. 

Update 12/4/2024: Defendant is Scott McCall, DOB:  05/07/1970, Case #24CR0461 Charged with Cruelty to Animals, 5th degree Felony. Keller Blackburn and Liz Pepper are the prosecuting attorneys in the case.  Contact details to follow.  He was indicted on 12/2/2024 and trial schedule has not yet been set.