Toledo, OH – A Toledo man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge for allegedly using a machete to carve a word into a dog’s head. Earlier this month, Toledo Police responded to 20-year-old Harley Gear’s home in the 3000 block of Nebraska Avenue and they found a dog with severe head injuries and a bloodied machete.

According to the person who alerted the police, Gear had been “torturing” his dog, Zeus.

Zeus is currently in the custody of the Toledo Humane Society. The agency’s president, Stephen Heaven, tells ABC 13 News that this case is a “first” for him and he suspects that Gear “tried carving the word “hi” into the dog’s head among other things.”

Zeus’ injuries were so significant that staples were required to pull his scalp back together. 

Gear is facing a felony charge – specifically, “CRUELTY TO ANIMALS TORTURE, DEPRIVE, BEAT, MUTILATE, KILL, OR CONIFNE WITHOUT FOOD OR WATER.” He has pleaded not guilty to the charge and is already free on bond.

Harley Case Doc

Please add your name to the petition today if you do not want to see Gear receive a slap on the wrist for what he did to this dog!

We the undersigned demand that Harley Gear is held responsible for viciously attacking a dog named Zeus with a machete. We are petitioning for Gear to receive the maximum punishment allowable by law for the felony animal cruelty charge stemming from this despicable attack. At sentencing, we want to see Gear prohibited from owning or residing with animals.

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

WTOL News

ABC 13 News

KOLD News

Update 9/7/2023: The trial for Harley Gear is set for 10/02/2023 with Judge Michael Goulding.

https://lcapps.co.lucas.oh.us/onlinedockets/Docket.aspx?STYPE=1&PAR=CR0202301923-000&STARTDATE=08/01…

Update 7/28/2023: Animal Victory has learned that the pre-trial is set for 8/2/2023 at 1:00 pm with Judge Michael Goulding in courtroom 004.

Update 7/5/2023: Animal Victory has learned that the case was moved up to grand jury after indictment, and a hearing arraignment is scheduled for 7/12/23 at 1 pm.

Update 6/26/2023: 14,741 signatures have been sent along with the petition to Ohio  Prosecutor Julia R. Bates