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A Vermont farmer and former animal control officer is facing felony animal cruelty charges after prosecutors allege he shot one of his pigs, dragged the injured animal behind an ATV while the pig was still alive, and later killed them.

Matthew C. Hill, 47, formerly served as Eden's town constable, animal control officer, and volunteer firefighter. According to court filings, neighbors contacted authorities after allegedly hearing a pig screaming while being dragged down a dirt road behind Hill's ATV.

Prosecutors allege Hill shot the pig several times after claiming the animal had become aggressive. Hill reportedly told investigators he believed the pig was dead when he attached the animal to the ATV. However, investigators state that witness accounts, physical evidence, and video footage recorded by a neighbor showed the pig was still alive and struggling while being dragged approximately one to two miles.

According to statements made in court, Hill later acknowledged the pig was alive during the transport and continued dragging the suffering animal before ultimately killing them in a wooded area.

The allegations have generated particular concern because Hill previously served in positions entrusted with animal welfare and public safety. Fellow animal control officers reportedly attended court proceedings and expressed concern that the alleged conduct undermines public confidence in those responsible for protecting animals.

Hill is charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals under 13 V.S.A. § 352a. If convicted, Hill should face up to five years of imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, or both.

Animals deserve humane treatment, especially from those entrusted with their care and protection. Please respectfully urge prosecutors to pursue full accountability and seek penalties that reflect the seriousness of the alleged suffering inflicted upon this pig.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision maker: Aliena Gerhard - State Attorney, Vermont State Attorney’s office

Subject: Seek Full Accountability for Aggravated Animal Cruelty in Pig Dragging Case

Re: State of Vermont v. Matthew C. Hill
Case No. 25-CR-07315

Dear State's Attorney Gerhard,

I am writing regarding the prosecution of Matthew C. Hill, who is charged with aggravated animal cruelty arising from allegations that a pig was shot, dragged behind an ATV while still alive, and ultimately killed. I respectfully request that you present my letter to the judge for consideration at sentencing. 

According to publicly reported information and court filings, neighbors allegedly heard the pig screaming while being dragged down a road, and investigators reviewed video evidence that reportedly showed the animal struggling during the incident. Prosecutors have stated that the pig may have remained alive throughout the dragging before ultimately being killed in a wooded area.

These allegations are deeply disturbing. Other animals depend upon humans for care and protection, and society has a responsibility to ensure that acts of cruelty are treated with the seriousness they deserve. Cases involving prolonged suffering are especially troubling because they raise concerns not only about the agony endured by an individual animal, but also about the broader message sent when such conduct is not met with meaningful consequences.

The allegations are particularly concerning because Mr. Hill reportedly served as an animal control officer and town constable. Individuals entrusted with protecting animals and enforcing laws should be held to the highest standards of humane treatment and ethical conduct. Public confidence in animal protection laws depends upon their fair and consistent enforcement, regardless of a defendant's position or status within a community.

I respectfully urge your office to continue pursuing all charges supported by the evidence and to oppose any plea deal or disposition that fails to adequately reflect the severity of the alleged conduct. Hill is charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals under 13 V.S.A. § 352a. If convicted, he should face penalties that reflect the full seriousness of the suffering allegedly inflicted upon this pig, including the maximum imprisonment term possible and fines authorized by law.

Should a conviction be obtained, I ask that you seek penalties that promote accountability, protect animals from future harm, and reinforce the importance of humane treatment.

I also respectfully request consideration of any lawful conditions that may help prevent future animal suffering, including restrictions on possessing, keeping, or caring for animals where authorized by law.

Thank you for your time, your service to the people of Vermont, and your commitment to enforcing animal cruelty laws. I appreciate the work of your office in seeking justice for animals who have suffered abuse.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.