Jersey Shore man sentenced to maximum allowed for animal cruelty
LOCK HAVEN, PA – After a nearly hour-long sentencing proceeding on Tuesday, Clinton County Judge Michael F. Salisbury sentenced James Standridge of Jersey Shore to the statutory maximum on two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, an aggregate term of 14 years. Salisbury also imposed an aggravated minimum sentence on both counts, which will not allow Standridge to be eligible for parole until he serves 30 months in state prison.
The sentence imposed by Judge Salisbury was the longest term of incarceration permitted under Pennsylvania Sentencing Laws.
District Attorney Dave Strouse presented for the Commonwealth at sentencing and asked the Court to impose an aggravated minimum sentence of no less than 30 months, calling Standridge’s actions “reprehensible and entirely inexcusable.” Strouse outlined the underlying facts of the case for the Court, that Standridge had taken his then-one-and-a-half year old dog to a secluded place in the woods, tied her to a tree and then shot her twice, leaving her to die.
The dog, re-named “Lucky” by SPCA workers and volunteers, was left alone to die, for six days, in freezing cold temperatures before she was discovered by a passing motorist. Lucky underwent several surgeries and eventually had to have her leg amputated. She also suffered severe frostbite resulting in the loss of several toes.
The dog still has a 9mm slug embedded in her neck that was not able to be safely removed. Strouse also outlined statements provided by the SPCA and the Veterinarian who, together, saved Lucky’s life. They outlined the months of pain and suffering endured by Lucky as she recovered from her injuries, including the amputation procedure that was necessary after the initial surgeries to save her leg proved unsuccessful.
Standridge asked the court to consider a local jail sentence to be served at the Clinton County Correctional Facility. He told Salisbury that he felt like he didn’t have a choice but to do what he did, claiming that the dog had shown herself to be a danger to his other dog in the home. Standridge claimed that he tried to give her away, but no one wanted the dog. He also claimed that the local SPCA’s didn’t have room to take her. Standridge presented three witnesses at sentencing, his wife, his mother-in-law, and his employer. Collectively the witnesses said they depended on Standridge to care for the family, to provide financial support, and to maintain their small business. Judge Salisbury spent approximately 30 minutes of the proceeding outlining the relevant facts and circumstances of Standridge’s crimes. Salisbury rejected claims that the SPCA had no room, pointing out that the Clinton County SPCA has pens available at their facility where animals can be left, “no questions asked.” Salisbury emphasized that Standridge made conscious decisions to kill his dog, and did not truly attempt to take any other course of action. Judge Salisbury went on to say that the SPCA’s statement to the Court, outlining the extreme pain and suffering endured by Lucky was one of the most difficult things he has had to read as a Judge, and that the letter brought him to tears as he read it.
Just prior to imposing sentence, Salisbury told Standridge, “In 10 years as judge, I have never sentenced a defendant in the aggravated range (of the PA Sentencing Guidelines), but that will change today.” He added, “You didn’t show Lucky any mercy, and likewise, this Court will not show you mercy now.” Standridge, 34, had entered guilty pleas back in May to one count of aggravated cruelty to animals by torture, a third class felony, and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals by inflicting serious bodily injury or death, also a third class felony.
During the plea hearing in May, DA Strouse also informed the Court that the Commonwealth would be seeking restitution for vet bills and other services provided by the Clinton County SPCA for Lucky. Standridge balked at the request for restitution, claiming that the SPCA had raised “more than $10,000” in fundraising after news of Lucky spread on social media and local news networks. On Tuesday, Salisbury ordered Standridge to pay full restitution for the medical expenses of Lucky, and told Standridge he refused to give him the benefit of the kind-heartedness and goodwill of the people of the county who decided to help make a better life for Lucky.
Standridge was originally charged by Pine Creek Township Police after they received reports that a passing motorist found a brindle-colored female pitbull terrier on January 27, 2023 along the side of the road on Pine Mountain Road in Wayne Township. The dog was visibly injured with open wounds, later revealed to be bullet wounds when the slugs were found still embedded in the dog’s flesh.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://clinton.crimewatchpa.com/da/133000/post/jersey-shore-man-sentenced-maximum-allowed-law-animal-cruelty
