Petition to Urge Maximum Sentence Upon Conviction for Luke Yoder, Nathan Yoder, and Maynard Swarey in Animal Cruelty Case, Should They Be Found Guilty

To: The Honorable Judge David M. Barredo and Members of the Court,
Greene County Circuit Court

We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition urging the court to consider the maximum sentence, should a conviction be reached, for Luke Yoder, Nathan Yoder, and Maynard Swarey, who have been indicted on charges of animal cruelty. Their alleged actions have caused immeasurable suffering to innocent animals, and we believe it is imperative that they be held fully accountable for their cruelty.

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Luke Yoder, Nathan Yoder, and Maynard Swarey have been charged with one count of felony animal cruelty under Virginia Code 3.2-6570 and twenty-four counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty under Virginia Code 3.2-6570, all related to their operation of a puppy mill. The details of the case, as well as the evidence from the rescue, are disturbing, revealing widespread abuse, neglect, and inhumane treatment of animals. According to animal rescue workers, the victims were subjected to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, lack of veterinary care, inadequate food and water, and extreme emotional and physical suffering.

Puppy mills are notorious for treating animals as mere commodities, lacking regard for their welfare. The operation of such mills involves systemic cruelty, often resulting in physical deformities, diseases, and, in many cases, premature death. These alleged crimes are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, intentional pattern of behavior aimed at maximizing profit at the expense of the well-being of helpless animals.

THE CASE FOR THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE UPON CONVICTION

The charges brought against Luke Yoder, Nathan Yoder, and Maynard Swarey reflect the severity of their alleged actions and the profound suffering they caused.  Professionals on the scene reported that when one of the dogs was placed on the exam table, its teeth fell out, indicating severe neglect.  One dog had to be euthanized.  Many of the dogs reportedly showed physical signs of abuse, with several requiring dental extractions due to advanced decay and overall poor health. Rescue organizations also noted that many of the dogs exhibited significant emotional distress. While they have yet to be convicted, the following points outline why the maximum sentence should be considered if they are found guilty:

Felony Animal Cruelty

The charge of felony animal cruelty under Virginia Code 3.2-6570 alleges that the defendants intentionally caused significant pain and suffering to the animals in their care. If proven, the deliberate nature of these actions warrants severe consequences. This charge specifically involves the felony mistreatment of animals, as outlined in Virginia state law.

Systematic Abuse

Operating a puppy mill is not a single, isolated act of negligence; it is a sustained, deliberate operation that involves ongoing and repeated abuse. The suffering of the animals was not incidental, but part of a larger, intentional and profit-driven enterprise. If the charges are proven true in court, this pattern of cruelty must be addressed with the utmost seriousness. Given the charges outlined above, the nature of these actions requires a response that reflects both the repeated nature of the abuse and the intentional disregard for the welfare of the animals.

Impact on the Community

The operation of a puppy mill harms not only the animals involved, but also the broader community. It fosters an environment in which cruelty to animals is tolerated and perpetuates the exploitation of vulnerable beings for commercial gain. If the charges are proven true, holding the accused accountable will set an important legal precedent for others responsible for the care of animals, reinforcing that such exploitation will not be tolerated.

Deterrence

Imposing the maximum sentence, should the defendants be convicted, will send a clear and powerful message to others who may consider engaging in similar operations: that cruelty to animals will carry severe consequences. A strong and consistent stance against animal cruelty is essential, especially in cases involving premeditated and systemic abuse, as alleged in this case.

Moral Responsibility

We believe it’s not just the law’s responsibility, but our collective duty as a society to protect animals from harm and suffering. If the charges are proven, the actions of the defendants show a significant lack of care for the well-being of these animals. The punishment should fit the seriousness of what they’ve done and send a clear message that cruelty to animals is unacceptable.

CONCLUSION:

Considering the cruelty involved and the profound impact on the animals, the community, and society, we, the undersigned, strongly urge the court to impose the maximum sentence for Luke Yoder, Nathan Yoder, and Maynard Swarey if they are convicted.   We ask that they be held fully accountable for their alleged actions, and the maximum sentence will send a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.

We respectfully request that the court carefully consider the severity of the charges, the suffering caused to the animals, and the wider societal impact when determining the appropriate sentence. Additionally, we urge the court to consider the importance of deterrence, ensuring that those who engage in such egregious behavior understand that it will not be tolerated and will carry substantial consequences.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the court:

Impose the maximum sentence for each of the charges, should the defendants be convicted, to ensure that justice is fully served.

Hold the accused fully accountable for the alleged abuse, recognizing the systemic and intentional nature of their actions.

Set a strong legal precedent by demonstrating the seriousness of animal cruelty offenses, and sending a clear message that such exploitation will not be tolerated.

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizens Against the Abuse of Dogs