My dog was maimed by a neighbor a few months ago. Butler Eagle readers who follow the letters to the editor will recall the story quite well. For those who don't, here is a brief recap:

My daughter let our dog, Emma, out and, for whatever reason, Emma made her way into a neighbor's yard. The neighbor made the decision to shoot at my dog's back leg. Emma hobbled home and, after many hours at the emergency veterinary clinic, her leg was amputated. She has had subsequent surgery on her sole remaining back leg because it was not strong enough to carry the weight of her body.

We had a hearing and it was decided that no charges would be brought against the neighbor who shot her.

On May 18, I read the following about a pit bull being shot by a neighbor in Westmoreland County:

"State police in Westmoreland County said a man shot his neighbor's pit bull, nearly hitting the neighbor. The neighbor is charged with felony aggravated assault and cruelty to animals, among other charges. Police say he was angry that the dog was walking around close to his property, so he took out a 20-gauge shotgun and pulled the trigger. The dog is expected to be okay."

The perpetrator in that situation has been charged with cruelty to animals. It begs the question, "If it is cruelty in Westmoreland County, why isn't it cruelty in Butler County?"

For all those who live in Butler County, we do so because it is a rural, caring, cost-effective place to live. The same could be said for Westmoreland County, except it would seem that the law enforcers in Westmoreland County respect all life, even animal life, and, as such, will hold those who harm animals accountable for their actions.

Are the animal laws different for every county?

I commend Westmoreland County for its response to yet another sad situation. I applaud the willingness of officials there to render justice even for those who can't speak for themselves.

A whimper, cry or yelp of an injured dog does not fall on deaf ears in that community.