We, the undersigned, believe that in the animal abuse case involving Derick Phanord - age 22, from Brentwood, NY - a maximum penalty of two years in prison for one felony count of aggravated animal cruelty is far too lenient. On July 12, 2007, Phanord reportedly doused the two-year-old dog known as \"Maximus\" with bleach and gasoline in an attempt to stop him from biting another dog. After releasing the other dog, Maximus was allegedly taken by Phanord to a wooded area, tied to a tree, doused in more gasoline, and set on fire. Sixty percent of the dog\'s body was covered in second- and third-degree burns, and he had sustained wounds in his mouth, which led to the loss of his canine and incisor teeth. Maximus died less than a week later as a result of the injuries he suffered. To say that this horrendous treatment of a living thing is deserving of no more than two years in prison is neither compassionate nor humane. By signing this petition, we are stating that we believe the severity of this crime deserves a fair and more severe punishment. Sincerely, The Undersigned