Washington County, PA – Washington County Controller April Sloane has been arrested and is facing felony animal cruelty charges for starving her adopted dog, Thor, to death. An anonymous tip led North Strabane Township police to Sloane’s home on December 6; investigators executing a search warrant found the body of her dead pet wrapped in a garbage bag.
Thor had been dead for nearly two weeks by the time the authorities discovered his body in the basement. A necropsy confirmed that Thor was starved to death. He had zero body fat at the time of his death, weighed just 20 pounds, and no other injuries or illnesses were detected to explain his emaciated condition.
Investigators spoke with Sloane’s 14-year-old son who told them that Thor was kept in “deplorable” conditions and he was not provided with care for days at a time. When Thor became so weak that he could not stand, Sloane’s son asked if they could take the dog to a veterinarian, but she refused. A veterinary hospital is located just 500 feet from her home.
Sloane adopted Thor from the Washington Area Humane Society in April 2021 when he was just a puppy. Photos show that Thor was used during her campaign for the office of Washington County Controller.
On December 12, the animal shelter issued a public statement about Thor’s death, and Sloane’s arrest:
The Washington Area Humane Society (WAHS) is saddened by the recent death of Thor, a dog adopted from our shelter in 2021. The WAHS Humane Society Police Officer has been working closely with the District Attorney’s Office and North Strabane Police and detectives in this investigation. We appreciate their quick response to the information we received. Given the evidence in this case, the DA’s Office has filed charges against April Sloane.
Police records indicate that Sloane admitted to killing Thor, telling them that he died “due to not being properly cared for.”
At least seven elected officials in Washington County are pushing for Sloane’s resignation. Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman said, “She’s not in sound body and mind, and this is a big position that she has with the controller. This is all the finances of the county, and it’s imperative that we have someone in there who understands the office and has the mental capacity to handle the large responsibility of the finances of the county.”
If you are outraged and disgusted by the suffering April Sloane inflicted on this young dog please add your name to the petition. She is charged with aggravated animal cruelty for causing serious bodily injury or death and aggravated animal cruelty for torture as well as animal neglect. Sloane’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19
We the undersigned demand that April Sloane be held accountable for starving her dog, Thor, to death. Thor undoubtedly suffered greatly before dying and there is no excuse for the excruciating neglect he was subjected to. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for the maximum penalty allowed by law for all charges stemming from this despicable act of animal cruelty. We stand in support of the elected officials demanding that April Sloane resign from her position.
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
Update 4/223/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the judge and attorney with updated signatures.
Update 3/22/2024: On 03/21/2024 there was an order to schedule a hearing, and on 03/20/2024, there was a commonwealth discovery production.
Update 2/16/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the judge and attorney.
Update 2/16/2024: Animal Victory has learned that April Sloane will be formally arraigned on 02/29/2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the jury lounge before Judge Jesse Petit.
Update 12/28/2023: April Sloan was arrested and charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor. 1) Aggravated cruelty to animals – felony, 2) Aggravated cruelty to animals with torture – felony, and 3) Neglect – Misdemeanor. They are waiting for a preliminary hearing and then her arraignment. It is at her arraignment that she will take a plea. We spoke with Detective Yarish at the District Attorney’s office who is managing the investigation. April Sloan bonded out on an unsecured bond. Case #MJ-27305-CR-0000576-2023
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