Pedersen Sentencing PR

The Human Society responds to the sentencing of Spencer Pedersen, 26, for torturing and killing a kitten.

Uploaded by

LarryDCurtis

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

0% found this document useful (0 votes)

4K views

Pedersen Sentencing PR

The Human Society responds to the sentencing of Spencer Pedersen, 26, for torturing and killing a kitten.

Uploaded by

LarryDCurtis

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 2

Contact: Deann Shepherd

Office: 801-506-2416
Cell: 801-747-9136
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 23, 2017

Pedersen sentenced for burning live kitten

Humane Society of Utah executive director attends hearing, makes statement on behalf of cats killed.

Spencer Jens Pedersen, a 26-year-old Provo man, was sentenced Monday, Jan. 23, by Judge Robert
C. Lunnen of the 4th District Court in American Fork, Utah. The Humane Society of Utah (HSU)
Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt attended the sentencing hearing. Pedersen was sentenced
zero to five years in a Utah State Penitentiary for both third-degree felony counts -- torture of a
companion animal and possession or use of a controlled substance, to run concurrently. HSU hopes
Pedersen serves the maximum time.
Pedersen was arrested by Provo police officers Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, on reports of torturing
and killing up to 11 cats in Provo, Utah. On Tuesday, Dec. 13, Pedersen pleaded guilty to one count
of animal torture and one drug count; the other charges were dismissed. Pedersen admitted to
lighting a kitten on fire. The kitten was later euthanized by veterinarians due to injuries sustained in
the fire.
The Humane Society of Utah spent eight years helping work to make animal torture a felony
charge, said Gene Baierschmidt, HSU executive director. Were pleased to know that Pedersen
was charged under this law, known as Henrys Law, and hope Pedersen will spend the full time in
prison. We are aware that many cats were tortured and killed. He sought them out, paid money to
buy them, and killed them in atrocious ways. Animal torture is highly correlated with other antisocial behavior, and we believe Pedersen needs psychiatric treatment. His behavior is scary; he is a
danger to society.
Thomas said Pedersen had purchased several kittens from people over a period of at least six
months. One person sold him seven kittens for $40 each and one for $20. A second person sold
Pederson four kittens, one he paid $120 to buy. A third person said they gave him kittens.
As Lunnen read Pedersens statement, he felt that Pedersen did not recognize the problem or
severity of his actions. He felt that Pedersen had minimalized his problems and was concerned that
he is a risk to the public. It would be more appropriate for the AP&P (Adult Probation and Parole)
to handle his case and perform a psychological evaluation, said Judge Lunnen.
Utah County prosecutor Julia Thomas said that she had never seen animal torture with heroin use.
Thomas said Pedersens depraved anti-social behavior was highly alarming and asked that he be
sentenced according to the statute since he needs time away from the community.
4242 South 300 West, Murray, Utah 84107 www.utahhumane.org
@HumaneSocietyofUtah @UtahHumane

Contact: Deann Shepherd

Office: 801-506-2416
Cell: 801-747-9136
[email protected]

Of the many dead cats found in a neighbors yard and Pedersens property, Pedersen pleaded guilty
to the burning of one kitten. Pedersen claimed it was a spur of the moment action after his German
shepherd dog was injured by the kitten. A call to police about the burning kitten was received at
3:12 a.m. Pedersen was seen filling an orange juice container at a nearby gas station before the
incident.
Judge Lunnen began the hearing with a statement that he had read letters from Pedersens wife and
family but not from the public. Lunnen said he glanced at the top of many letters and found that
most were emotional and not factual or objective. Utah County prosecutor Julia Thomas noted that
the state did want the publics letters to be read because the community concerns were valid in this
case.
Thomas noted that the two police officers who responded to the call about the burning kitten were
present in the courtroom. She said the case had greatly affected them.

###

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since
1960, the HSU has been sheltering abandoned animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an
environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across our state. HSU is an openadmissions shelter, meaning that our doors are always open for any animal that we can legally accept. We
work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters our facility will be placed into a loving
home. The Humane Society of Utah is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization. We receive no tax dollars
or government funding. HSU is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and
foundations. Read more about the HSU online at utahhumane.org.