Update: We have just learned that the suspect in this case, Mike Konschak, appeared at Danbury Superior Court today and has been denied Accelerated Rehabilitation.
Two German Shephard dogs, Cimo and Lieben, beloved pets of Ridgefield resident Erin Caviola, have lost their lives in a horrific and brutal manner.
Now, Caviola seeks justice. A petition launched Change.org has been signed by nearly 60,000 people who stand in solidarity with Caviola to deny Mike Konschak's application for Accelerated Rehabilitation, which allows first-time offenders to have their criminal charges dismissed.
Search for Cimon and Lieben
In early December Caviola took to social media in a desperate search for Cimo and Lieben and the community sprung into action. “Using the coordinates of the last known sighting, we are pleading with residents of the following streets to please look into your woods as you go about your day and around your property. Sightings will help get these two back home," she said.
After weeks of family, friends, strangers, and search dogs spending much of their free time looking for Cimo and Lieben, the family hired a tracking dog who tracked their scent until it ended right outside of a wooded location, the petition states.
But the story didn’t have the happy ending all were hoping for.
Good Samaritan and sad news
According to multiple reports including this one via Fox News, on December 12, Caviola said her family got a call from a good Samaritan who said a hunter had shared horrific images of Cimo and Lieben, both shot to death, then skinned and beheaded. Mike Konschak then went to a taxidermist to get the animals’ hides tanned but was turned away, according to the Change.org petition.
Nothing will bring back two beautiful and loved dogs and our hearts go out to all who loved Cimo and Lieben.
Denial of his Accelerated Rehabilitation application
Denial of his Accelerated Rehabilitation application is a start but Erin Caviloa hopes additional charges will be brought against Konschak including Animal Crulity.
Follow this story and sign the petition via Change.org.
*Image courtesy Change.org