Shocking Photograph of Dog’s Mouth Taped Shut Prompts PETA Action

PETA Warns District Attorney That Two Dogs in Alleged Culprit’s Custody May Still Be in Danger, Seeks Ban on Owning Animals

For Immediate Release:
December 1, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Today, PETA sent an urgent plea to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman regarding the high-profile case of Cary resident Katharine Lemansky, who faces charges after reportedly binding her dog’s muzzle shut with duct tape and posting a photograph of the abused dog, named Brown, to Facebook. In the letter, PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—notes that Brown and another dog may remain in Lemansky’s custody and asks that both dogs be confiscated for their own safety and, if she’s is convicted, that she be prohibited from owning animals for as long as possible.

Photo Credit: Facebook

“It would show a shocking lack of empathy for others’ suffering to tape a dog’s mouth shut and then brag about this cruelty on social media,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “Any dogs in this woman’s custody may be in danger, which is why PETA is calling for the immediate confiscation of any animals in her home as well as a ban on owning animals if she is convicted of this callous act.”

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA’s letter to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman follows.

December 1, 2015

The Honorable Lorrin Freeman
Wake County District Attorney
300 S. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27601

Dear Ms. Freeman:

Greetings from PETA. This letter concerns a case that your office is handling involving Cary resident Katharine Lemansky, who faces cruelty-to-animals charges for allegedly binding the muzzle of her dog, Brown, with duct tape in an apparent attempt to prevent her from barking. Reportedly, a photo of Brown with her muzzle wrapped in duct tape was posted to Lemansky’s Facebook page, accompanied by the caption “This is what happens when you dont [sic] shut up!!!” Alarmingly, Brown and her littermate apparently remain in Lemansky’s custody.

Since repeat offenses are common among animal abusers, we ask that if Lemansky is convicted of these charges, she be required to attend anger-management classes at her own expense and be prohibited from owning or harboring animals for as long as possible. In the meantime, we ask that officials confiscate both dogs as a protective measure provided for by N.C.G.S.A § 19A-3.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Kristin DeJournett
Cruelty Casework Associate Manager
Cruelty Investigations Department