For Immediate Release:
January 17, 2006

Contact:
Stephanie Bell 757-622-7382 

Leawood, Kan.---This morning, PETA sent an urgent plea to Leawood Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Sutton, urging him to vigorously prosecute Jeffrey Sharon of Leawood. Sharon faces a misdemeanor charge stemming from authorities’ reported October 29, 2005, discovery of his downed and severely neglected horse, Risky, languishing on his property. The animal reportedly died later that day and was found to have suffered from malnutrition, parasites, severe rain scald, sunburn, and various other afflictions. Sharon is scheduled to face these charges in court tomorrow, January 18, at 9 a.m.

“Sharon appears to be either unable or unwilling to provide even the most basic care to animals,” says PETA Cruelty Caseworker Stephanie Bell. “People who demonstrate such blatant disregard for life and desensitization to suffering can pose a serious risk to the people and animals with whom they come into contact.”

PETA is asking that¯if convicted and in addition to serving a period of incarceration—Sharon be prohibited from owning or harboring animals and that authorities seize any other animals currently in his custody. In addition, PETA is asking that Sharon be required to undergo a thorough psychological evaluation followed by mandatory counseling.

For more information, please visit HelpingAnimals.com.

PETA’s letter to Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Sutton follows.

January 17, 2006

The Honorable Nathan Sutton
Prosecuting Attorney, City of Leawood
4800 Town Center Dr.
Leawood, KS 66211

Dear Mr. Sutton:

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the world’s largest animal rights organization, with more than a million members and supporters dedicated to animal protection. This letter concerns a recent case of cruelty to animals that your office is handling, involving Jeffrey H. Sharon, age unreported, of Leawood. Sharon faces one misdemeanor charge stemming from authorities’ alleged October 29, 2005, discovery of his downed and severely neglected horse, Risky, languishing on his 2600 W. 135th St. property—known as Leawood Stables—in the city. Risky apparently died later that day and was reportedly found to have suffered from malnutrition, parasites, and various afflictions—including severe rain scald and sunburn—suggesting that he had been deprived of shelter.

We understand that Sharon is scheduled to answer to this charge in court on January 18 at 9 a.m.

Mental health professionals and top law enforcement officials consider the blatant disregard for life and desensitization to suffering evidenced by all forms of cruelty to animals to be a red flag. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association identifies cruelty to animals as one of the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders, and the FBI uses reports of these crimes in analyzing the threat potential of suspected and known criminals. Experts agree that it is the severity of the behavior—not the species of the victim—that matters.

On behalf of our thousands of members and supporters in Kansas, we respectfully ask that, if convicted and in addition to serving a period of incarceration, Sharon be required to undergo a thorough psychological evaluation followed by mandatory counseling at his own expense. Because repeat crimes are the rule rather than the exception among animal abusers and given the defendant’s apparent prolonged and utter disregard for the life and suffering of an animal in his custody, we implore your office to take every measure necessary to ensure that he, if convicted, is prohibited from future personal and professional contact with animals and to immediately seize any animals who may remain in his charge.

Thank you for your diligence in this matter and for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Bell, Cruelty Caseworker
Domestic Animal and Wildlife Rescue & Information Department