CLEARFIELD, Pa. (GANT) – A local animal rescue organization is expressing deep outrage and disbelief after a man involved in the horrific shooting of a defenseless dog, who was left to die, has secured a plea agreement that will only result in a probation sentence.
Fortunately, the dog was discovered last November by a compassionate individual who promptly reached out to the local animal rescue group, Animals Matter of Clearfield County Inc. The dog was subsequently rushed to two different animal hospitals, where skilled veterinarians provided critical treatment that ultimately saved his life.
The affidavit of probable cause reveals that the dog was shot in the head with a small-caliber firearm, causing the bullet to ricochet off his skull and shatter his jaw before exiting the side of his face, a horrific injury that could have ended his life.
The rescue organization began sharing updates on their Facebook page last November, informing the community about the dog’s numerous surgeries and ongoing recovery while successfully raising an impressive $12,000 for his medical care. Regular postings kept supporters informed about the dog’s condition, fostering a community of care and concern.
He was ultimately placed in a foster-to-adopt home, where he made a miraculous recovery, defying the odds against him.
Since then, the organization has been rallying support for “Justice for Duke,” emphasizing the importance of accountability for the crime committed against him.
In July, all charges filed by state police against Nichole Marie Daisher, 32, and her father, Ricky Allen Daisher, 60, both of Mahaffey, including serious crimes like felony conspiracy/aggravated cruelty to animals, misdemeanor cruelty to animals, and misdemeanor neglect of animals-vet care, were held for court following a preliminary hearing presided over by District Judge Jerry Nevling.
Additional charges have also been filed against a juvenile, who has served time for a felony conviction and has since been released on probation, as confirmed by Heather Hoover of Animals Matter.
In a Facebook Live broadcast following the announcement of the plea agreement—one that notably omits any felony charge—Hoover voiced her outrage and confusion over the legal proceedings.
Hoover expressed disbelief at the decision to drop the felony charge against Ricky Daisher, particularly since an assistant district attorney had previously advocated for its retention during the preliminary hearing. “Why? I don’t get it,” she lamented.
State police suggested that she bring Duke to the sentencing hearing, but District Attorney Ryan Sayers informed them that only service dogs are permitted in the courtroom, leading Hoover to emphasize, “He is the victim.”
She highlighted the suffering Duke endured for approximately 21 hours before being rescued; he was found in profound shock, with his muzzle cruelly tied shut using shoelaces.
“And Mr. Daisher gets probation?!” Hoover exclaimed in disbelief.
Hoover believes the actual perpetrator of the shooting is Daisher, questioning the morality of a man who allows a child to take the blame for such a heinous act.
She is urging the community to join her for a protest outside the courthouse, starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, ahead of the hearing scheduled for 9 a.m., as a show of solidarity for Duke. Hoover intends to deliver a statement in court, hoping that President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman will reject the plea agreement and reinstate the case for trial.
“We fought so hard to save this dog’s life,” Hoover declared, expressing her fury over what she sees as a failure of the justice system. “I am so furious about this and they wonder why there is so much animal cruelty.”
Others in the community are echoing Hoover’s sentiments on social media, expressing their anger and solidarity after following Duke’s journey over the past several months. Some are directing their frustration towards Sayers for perceived leniency in how the case has been handled.
In their statements to authorities, the defendants claimed their decision was motivated by a belief that Duke exhibited aggression.
“He hasn’t shown any aggression since we’ve had him,” Hoover firmly stated.
According to the criminal complaint, as Duke’s owner, Nichole Daisher surrendered the dog to the rescue organization following the events in question.
The investigation revealed crucial evidence from a cell phone, indicating that she traveled at 6:07 p.m. on Nov. 23 from her home to the location where Duke was found, and then returned home shortly afterward.
During a police interview on Dec. 19, she claimed that Duke had jumped on another one of her dogs and later lunged at her child, leading to her frantic call to her father for guidance on what to do next. Reports suggest that the trio then drove Duke to a wooded area in Greenwood Township, where the unthinkable act of shooting him occurred.
In his police interview, the juvenile recounted that Nichole Daisher was the one who insisted Duke must be taken away and tied his muzzle shut with a shoelace before he shot the animal with a gun provided by Ricky Daisher.
Ricky Daisher, when questioned by investigators, confessed to taking the dog into the woods and witnessing the juvenile shoot him once; he described seeing Duke fall over and quiver and mistakenly believed the dog was “done.”
The group fled the scene after hearing a car approach, demonstrating a clear awareness of the gravity of their actions.
As for Nichole Daisher, her case is still pending in the legal system, leaving many within the community to wonder what justice will ultimately look like for Duke.
**Interview with Heather Hoover, Director of Animals Matter of Clearfield County Inc.**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Heather. First off, can you share with our audience what happened to Duke and the journey that led you to this point?
**Heather Hoover:** Thank you for having me. Duke’s story began last November when he was found after being shot in the head. The injuries were horrific, and thankfully, a compassionate individual discovered him and reached out to us. We rushed him to two different animal hospitals where he underwent several surgeries to save his life. We were incredibly fortunate to raise over $12,000 for his medical care through community support.
**Editor:** That’s an incredible testament to the community’s commitment to animal welfare. However, we’ve now learned that the man responsible for Duke’s suffering may only receive probation. How does that make you feel?
**Heather Hoover:** Honestly, I’m outraged and disappointed. The plea agreement that drops all felony charges just seems like such a betrayal to Duke and to all the people who rallied to help him. This sends a troubling message that animal cruelty will not be met with appropriate consequences.
**Editor:** You mentioned during your Facebook Live that the assistant district attorney previously supported retaining felony charges. What changed in this situation, do you think?
**Heather Hoover:** That’s precisely what I can’t understand. It feels like there’s a lack of accountability in this case. The assistant district attorney had shown a willingness to pursue serious charges, but now it seems those concerns have been completely disregarded. It raises questions about the integrity of our legal system and the treatment of animals in these cases.
**Editor:** You’re planning to hold a protest outside the courthouse soon. What message do you hope to send?
**Heather Hoover:** Yes, the protest is intended to showcase our collective outrage over this decision. We want to urge the judge to reject the plea agreement and take Duke’s suffering seriously. He is the victim in this case, and we want to ensure his story is heard.
**Editor:** As someone so deeply involved in animal rescue, what do you think it will take to improve the handling of animal cruelty cases in your community?
**Heather Hoover:** We need stronger laws and a culture shift regarding how we view animal welfare. People must recognize that animals deserve protection and that cruelty against them should come with severe repercussions. Education about animal rights and dedicated advocacy is essential.
**Editor:** Thank you, Heather, for sharing your insights and for advocating for Duke and other animals in need. We’ll be following this story closely.
**Heather Hoover:** Thank you for giving us the platform to speak. We won’t stop fighting for justice for Duke and all animals.
