#JusticeforZola, a cause that has moved many

Supporters rally in Monticello behind an abused pitbull

By Savannah Chaboty | Manor Ink

Monticello, NY – You may have heard about the rally that took place on June 21 in this village, a protest against the New York State bail reform laws that allowed an accused animal abuser to walk free until his trial date. Many in the Sullivan County community were so outraged when they heard the story of his dog Zola’s alleged mistreatment that they were brought to tears. Out of concern, they came together to rally for justice for this dog who can’t speak for herself. People who couldn’t attend the protest have shown their support by commenting on Facebook. “We are all rooting for Zola,” one comment read. And some are even calling the  female pitbull “Zola the warrior.”

On the morning of May 31, Monticello police received calls that a dog was crying and wailing in distress. Officers quickly responded and arrived at the corner of Landfield Avenue and North Street in the village, where Officer Darius Buckner reported observing a 24-year-old man named Samuel Stanford brutally attacking a dog. Right away, Buckner turned on his patrol car siren to distract Stanford and stop the assault. In an interview with Officer Buckner, he told Manor Ink he’d never seen animal cruelty “to that level of severity. If I don’t act, then this man is going to kill the dog.” Stanford was immediately arrested and was later charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal, a Class E felony under  NYS Agriculture and Markets laws. 

The dog, Zola, was immediately taken to a local veterinary office by other officers, where she was treated for deep lacerations to her head, a broken cheekbone, abrasions, broken ribs and other internal issues. Zola is now in steady recovery and being trained to become a police K-9 dog, with the possibility of working in one of Sullivan County’s local departments in the future.

A community rallies for justice

Police still don’t know the motive behind this attack, and in court Stanford continued to deny the attack ever happened. Due to New York State bail reform guidelines, Stanford was only issued an appearance ticket to return at a later date to court. His release had Catskill Animal Rescue Director Joanne Gerow outraged. In response, she organized the rally in front of the Sullivan County Courthouse on the afternoon of June 21. About 50 people attended, including the county’s acting District Attorney Brian Conaty.

In a press release, Conaty stated, “As the acting District Attorney for Sullivan County, I will fight for justice for Zola, and I will hold Mr. Stanford to account.” Conaty then introduced Gerow and she explained Zola’s story and the intense injuries she sustained. “Since I’ve prepared this, I am so thrilled to say that Judge Jim Farrell ordered a prohibition of him being around animals,”she said, referring to defendant Stanford. 

Stanford has more upcoming court dates, but for now he is not permitted to be near animals, and the animal rights community in Sullivan County is thankful for the work being done to put him behind bars. “We must continue to speak for those without a voice,” Gerow said in closing as spectators cheered.

New York’s bail reform laws, controversial legislation that eliminated the use of cash bail for those accused of misdemeanors, was enacted in 2019 and modified in 2020. Though the reform was intended to address racial and financial inequities faced by many accused of crimes, it has generated disapproval in many communities around New York State. Zola’s tragic story and the release of her alleged abuser have reinforced that disapproval for many.

A positive outcome

Zola’s K-9 training is taking place in Michigan with Christian Losiewski, at Real World K-9 LLC. Losiewski trains dogs from all over the country to perform different tasks that would benefit police, such as drug detection, which appears to interest Zola. So far, Losiewski has been working with the dog on what they call “teaching her the language,” which essentially means familiarizing her with basic commands so she will become more obedient. Zola still has a long way to go in her training, but she is receiving support from people all over the country, according to Losiewski.

Zola has also made an incredible recovery in the past couple of months, with no more swelling and a few scars. “She’s high energy, motivated and very well driven, with a working dog mindset,” said Losiewski. “She’s given me absolutely no trouble at all.” He plans to bring Zola back to Sullivan County within the next few months to allow the community to see her progress. 

Her supporters are extremely happy that Zola’s life has completely changed, and that she has been given the best future possible. No dog deserves to go through what Zola did, but she’s the only one that could have turned the situation into what it is now. So many people are beyond proud of her and she will never be forgotten in the Sullivan County community.