Legal fees,to get #JusticeForHunter

Help with Legal Costs for Hunter’s Family

Hunter, an 8 year old malamute mix, was on a walk alongside the family German Shepherd Freya and their owner, Chris Heller, when he was shot and killed by a deer hunter, allegedly mistaken for a coyote. Coyote hunting is legal in Pennsylvania, but even large Eastern coyotes are about 1.5ft tall and 40lbs whereas Hunter was almost 90lbs and 3ft tall. The Heller family, grieving the sudden and horrific loss of their beloved dog, has since been told by area police and representatives of the Pennsylvania Game Commission that it was a tragic mistake and “no game law violations were detected.” The Hellers have offered compromises and concessions, such as a discussion with the deer hunter, the suspension of his license for the remainder of the season, or mandating him to retake a safety course. The PA Game Commission has shot down every suggestion and has made indications to Jennifer Heller that the real problem is the Hellers not understanding this was “a mistake” and just letting it go. They have also told her that, despite multiple offers and opportunities, the deer hunter does not want to meet to apologize and refuses to come forward to them out of fear of the social media backlash. These agencies and individuals are determined to make this go away.

Hunter was an incredibly sweet and intelligent dog- gentle with the Hellers’ young grandchildren, immediate best buddies with the other animals in the home, and a loving companion who would do anything for a good piece of cheese. One of the most important rules of hunting is to know what you’re shooting, and when this man shot despite that he snuffed out the life of a wonderful pet who had a lot more life and love to share.

The Heller family has met with an attorney who believes they have a strong foundation for a civil case and can hold accountable the parties that have tried to sweep this incident under the rug. However, the retainer is something that the Hellers cannot readily afford. We humbly ask for any amount you can donate that will go directly towards the legal costs they will incur in this process. Please help us get #JusticeforHunter. We would also like to educate everyone on safety, correct animal identification as part of getting justice for Hunter. As justice takes many forms we’re working on healing, sharing our story and education.