Dog's Death Leads To Petition Drive Seeking Maximum Sentence

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA —A petition drive has been launched to appeal to a judge regarding the death of a dog that led to animal cruelty charges against a Langhorne man.

The petition, started by Eileen Morris, calls upon District Judge Daniel Baranoski "to understand the severity of this crime."

Alfino Santangelo Jr., 43, of Langhorne, was recently charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and causing death, cruelty to animals and neglect of animals' vet care, according to court records.

"I am urging animal lovers everywhere to please sign this petition," Morris states. "(He) "needs to face the maximum sentence allowable by law."

So far, 311 have signed the Change.org petition, which seeks 500 signatures for an appeal to the judge.

By signing this petition, you are letting the judge know that we will not tolerate leniency when it comes to animal abusers. We, as a community, can make our voices be heard and get justice for this little one-year-old boxer, named Porsha.

Santangelo had a preliminary arraignment before Baranoski on Aug. 30. Bail was set at $1,500 unsecured.

The charges stem from a Middletown Township Police investigation in mid-July in which the department's animal control officer received a call about a deceased dog that had severe bruising, according to published reports.

Police spoke with Santangelo at his home in mid-August, Levittown Now reported. The story stated Santangelo told police he was seeing a therapist for anger issues.

Read the full story in Levittown Now.