A dog originally known as Codia, now renamed Fern (Winter Storm Fern!) has been surrendered to Precious Paws.

The surrender occurred after  Oil City Police opened an investigation into an alleged animal‑cruelty incident was filmed and reported on Sunday, January 25. The man in the video was identified as Joseph K. Metz  of Oil City.

On January 26, Metz was arraigned by Judge Fish on charges of cruelty to animals and resisting arrest. He was denied bail and was committed to Venango County Jail. A preliminary trial is scheduled for February 4.

Read the complete story on Erie News Now.

The video can be found on Precious Paws’ Facebook page. WARNING: this content is disturbing.

Senator Dan Laughlin announced January 26, 2026 his intent to introduce legislation to create a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of felony animal abuse offenses, which would be known as “Aimee’s Law.”

“Under Aimee’s Law, anyone convicted of felony animal cruelty or aggravated cruelty to animals would be required to be placed on a publicly accessible registry, similar to Megan’s Law. The registry would increase transparency, help law enforcement track repeat offenders, and support enforcement of existing penalties for egregious animal abuse.”

Read the complete press release from Sen. Laughlin here.