Today, the Animal Law Center will begin the multi-day trial in which it will defend the criminal charges brought against Debra Nolan after a Brighton police officer unnecessarily shot and killed her beloved dog, “Molly.” ALC attorneys Jay Wayne Swearingen and Jennifer Reba Edwards will act as a legal team to expose the wrongdoing of Brighton police officer Hadley and the Brighton Police.

On July 2, 2008, Officer Hadley responded to a call from Nolan’s neighbor as a result of two unidentified dogs roaming the neighborhood. During his questionable investigation and while approaching Nolan’s front door, Officer Hadley shot Nolan’s beloved dog, “Molly” when she and Nolan’s other dog, “Sage” approached him. Officers made a half-hearted attempt to find the injured animal who was discovered the next day deceased in Nolan’s back yard. A clear blood trail was found from where the dog was shot to where the dog reentered the property.

Notice to sue  civilly has been filed to Officer Hadley and appropriate officials and offices of Brighton.