Town of Friday Harbor Mayor Ray Jackson was found not guilty of animal cruelty charges on Friday, Oct. 24, by a jury of his peers after a two-day criminal trial in Friday Harbor. Tensions were high during the trial, with the jury needing to be excused from the courtroom on occasion due to conflict. The town has been divided, with supporters of Jackson saying it’s uncertain who caused the harm, while animal rights advocates attended court in solidarity with the removalof a 15-pound terrier mix named Sasha.

Jackson was cited with Animal Cruelty on Aug. 9 when the dog was reported to the Sheriff’s office by a neighbor who claimed the dog was in distress with neck wounds from a shock collar. Jackson was later charged in court with Animal Cruelty in the Second Degree, which is a gross misdemeanor and punishable by up to 364 days imprisonment or a $5,000 fine, or both.

Jackson was elected mayor in 2021. His four-year tenure is up this year, and while he did run for re-election, he did not make it past the primary, receiving only 12.48% of the vote. His term will end in January.

As it currently stands, Sasha will not be returned to the Jackson family, as ownership was “forfeited” when the bond was not paid in time. More details about the trial are coming soon from the Journal.