Irwin Man Accused Of Strangling Dog To Stand Trial

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – An Irwin man charged with strangling a dog he adopted from a local animal shelter is going to trial.

It's a case animal advocates hope will result in changes in Pennsylvania law.

Jason French told police he killed his dog last month, because it wouldn't stop barking.

"He decided to strangle the dog with his bare hands until it stopped moving," Irwin Police Officer Michael Hooper said. "It took him about three hours to strangle the dog He said he was surprised that it took him that long to do so."

French adopted the black Labrador retriever mix named Apollo from the Animal Friends shelter in Youngwood. He has been in jail ever since the incident, after a judge questioned French's mental health and said he was a threat to society.

Candy Nelson, the founder and president of Westmoreland Animal Friends was at the magistrate's office today, along with more than a dozen supporters.

"We were extremely thrilled that the community came out and supported this cause. We had people from other local organizations, animal shelters and just people in the community that just really had a heart for what was going on here," Nelson said.

The dog's death has drawn outrage from the pet adoption community, outrage that Nelson hopes will prompt people to contact their local legislators.

"This crime is absolutely a felony level crime. It should not be a misdemeanor and that's exactly what we're trying to do. This one case is going to create catalyst for change in order to change the laws we have in Pennsylvania," Nelson said.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter