LOCK HAVEN, PA – In Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, James Standridge of Jersey Shore appeared before Judge Michael F. Salisbury in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas. Standridge pleaded guilty to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals by Torture, a felony 3, and one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals by Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury or Death, a felony 3. The charges stem from Standridge’s heinous act of tying his dog, Luna, to a tree and shooting her twice.
Standridge claimed that Luna had attacked his older dog, which led to his decision to shoot her. The prosecution outlined the terms of Standridge’s plea agreement, noting that no specific sentence had been agreed upon, and the court would determine the appropriate punishment based on the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines.
During the plea hearing, it was revealed that the Commonwealth would seek restitution from Standridge to cover veterinary bills and services provided by the Clinton County SPCA for Luna, who has since been renamed “Lucky” and taken in as a foster dog.
Sentencing is scheduled for June, and the court has ordered a pre-sentence investigation and social history report to provide further information about Standridge and the circumstances surrounding the crimes. The court will also consider the issue of restitution at a later date.
